Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a “unique” space observatory, classroom and boardwalk on Anglesey. The facility, likened to a mini Jodrell Bank, will be the first of its kind in North Wales.
Anglesey Astronomy Society (AAS) wants to erect the domed observatory at Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead. Planning consent was sought as the countdown began for the launch of Artemis 11, NASA’s first human Moon mission since 1972.
If approved, the observatory will become a major regional asset, said ASS chairman Gavin Malone. “It’s going to be huge for STEM education not just on Anglesey but right across North Wales,” he said.
“At present the closest facility is Jodrell Bank in east Cheshire – that’s where we must go for our astronomy days-out. Having this observatory here will be a big step forward for local enthusiasts and for growing interest across the region.”
ASS began looking for a suitable site after being gifted an observatory in early 2026. Entirely hand-built in 1999 by the late Robert Smith, an enthusiast in Little Neston on the Wirral, it comprised a 10.5ft-tall fibreglass dome and a “historically significant” 19-inch Newtonian reflector telescope.
To transport it to Holyhead, the structure was cut into segments. It’s currently being reassembled, revealing the incredible skill involved in building the high-powered back-garden telescope. Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter – sent every Friday
“It has a 19-inch mirror which was ground down by Mr Smith,” said Gavin. “He did the same for the cogs in the telescope’s tracking mechanism, to allow for the Earth’s rotation and so cancel out diurnal motion. How he managed to do this at home I have no idea. It really is an engineering masterpiece.”
Impression of how the facility will look(Image: AAS)
The plan is to mount the fibreglass dome on a 6.5ft-tall concrete base. It will be clad in green sheets so it blends with the surrounding quarry and gorse.
Next to it will be a single-storey timber-framed building serving as an educational hub for schools and the community. A 6ft-wide timber boardwalk will link the observatory to nearby paths.
ASS plans to upgrade the telescope for collective use. In a planning statement, consultant Dafydd Edwards of Cynllun Plans Drawn said: “As part of the restoration the telescope will be upgraded with modern high-specification CMOS imaging cameras. This will allow the instrument to be used for Electronically Assisted Astronomy (EAA).
“EAA allows deep space images to be captured and displayed live on screens within the facility. This provides a far more inclusive experience for visitors and allows groups to observe astronomical objects simultaneously.”
The observatory was originally built in a back garden on the Wirral(Image: AAS)
During the day the facility will be used for educational outreach activities. Solar telescopes fitted with specialist H-alpha filters will project live images of the Sun onto internal display screens.
This will enable groups and school visitors to safely observe solar activity such as sunspots, solar prominences and solar flares. AAS anticipates growing interest in its “Young Astronomers” programme.
At night, ASS members will use the telescope for astronomical research and observation. By undertaking planetary and deep space imaging, the group aims to contribute to wider scientific discoveries.
Public viewing nights will also be hosted, giving everyone “their first eyes on the Universe”. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
The observatory is currently being re-assembled in a Holyhead workshop(Image: AAS)
Biodiversity enhancements are planned, including bat tubes and fruit trees. The facility will also “actively promote dark sky awareness”.
To monitor the site, two security cameras will be installed on 10ft poles. If approved, it’s hoped the observatory will open “before the clocks go back” this autumn.
Local businesses supporting the project include Stena Line, Kier Construction and the Hogan Group. Ynys Môn AONB, which borders the country park, is also backing the venture.
You can follow the project’s progress on Facebook here. More details about AAS can be found here. A £4,000 fundraising appeal, to complete construction, is ongoing – there’s more on this here.