The Observatory
Restoration effort begins
Rydal Penrhos is thrilled to share the exciting news that restoration work has commenced on one of its most exceptional assets – the Observatory in the Costain Building.
Our school takes pride in preserving remarkable buildings, each with their own rich history and narratives. From the noteworthy sporting events witnessed at the Hayley Pavilion to the captivating dramatic productions in the Memorial Hall, every corner of our campus holds a piece of our storied past.
For our alumni, the Costain Building holds particular significance. Built in 1930 at a cost of approximately £30,000 and designed by local architect Sidney Colwyn Foulkes, this building spans 19,000 sq. ft.
Constructed of Yorkshire stone with dressed windows and buttresses sourced from Derbyshire, and bricks – half a million strong – from Rhydymwyn in Mold, it boasts a roof made of Pembrokeshire slate.
Originally, the Costain Building housed Design Workshops in its basement, covering 3,000 sq. ft and equipped with everything engineers needed, including electrically driven planes, lathes, and milling machines. The space later transformed into Biology Labs following the completion of the DT and Music Building in 1984. The basement also once accommodated photographic dark rooms, a rifle range, and an armoury, with remnants of the rifle range still visible, though it ceased operation around 1996.
However, the hidden gem of Costain is its Observatory. Situated in the tower closest to the corner of Queen’s Drive and Lansdowne Road, the Observatory's telescope was a generous gift to the school. However, its lenses were removed during World War II for reasons still unclear. Since September 2023, dedicated alumni and the Governing Board have undertaken the task of restoring the Observatory to its former glory.
With the room now cleared, plans for renovation are underway. A temporary tripod-based telescope, generously donated to the school, will be put into action once the observatory turret is examined and opened for the first time in nearly 80 years.
This project marks an exciting endeavour for the school, restoring one of its treasures for future generations of Rydal Penrhos pupils to benefit from this unique and captivating facility.
We are delighted to announce that Society members will have the exclusive opportunity to pre-book guided tours of the Observatory in 2024. These tours, available on select dates throughout the year, will allow a limited number of guests to visit this distinctive part of the school alongside a guide from our Alumni team.
Further details about these events, including booking information, will be circulated in the new year.
If you have memories, images, or stories related to the Observatory, we invite you to share them with us. Your contributions will enhance our archive and add depth to the history of this cherished space.
