Jodrell Bank Observatory: Electrical Workshop (Former Main Office)

This is a single-storey office and teaching building constructed in 1949, using a standard construction system. It is situated on the east side of ‘The Green’ at Jodrell Bank Observatory, and is now connected to the Cryogenics Workshop to its east and the Mechanical Workshop to its north (neither of which are included in the listing).

The building is rectangular in plan, with its front facing west. It is built on a pre-cast concrete frame with concrete block walls, metal-framed, multi-paned casement windows, and a felt roof. The west-facing front wall features a central doorway with a part-glazed timber door, flanked by seven windows on either side. A short length of wall exists between the end window and the corner, and one window to the right of the door is half-width, otherwise the facade is symmetrical. A grey plastic gutter runs along the eaves, with down-pipes at each end and to the right of the door. The north wall incorporates a central door with windows either side, and is part-glazed with a timber door. The roof slopes slightly to either side of a central ridge. The east wall is partially obscured by the adjoining Cryogenics Workshop; the remaining section exhibits a varied arrangement of windows and rainwater goods similar to those on the front wall. The south wall is blank.

Inside, the concrete frame is visible, with projecting heads supporting the roof beams. The blockwork is exposed and painted, with fibreboard panels fixed to a metal grid forming the ceilings. A small, original lobby at the north entrance now has an added access step leading to the Cryogenics Workshop. The floor is herringbone parquet, marked with linear edgings that indicate the original partition layout. Inserted brick and stud partitions have been added, and some floors are covered with vinyl flooring, while one room has quarry tiles and blackout fittings on the door. Modern electrical and heating services have been installed, but original features such as window blinds, light fittings, doors, and cloakroom fittings remain. The former lecture room at the south end retains a low dais, and the office previously occupied by (Sir) Bernard Lovell is preserved as a separate space.

*Designated items such as gutters, downpipes, access steps, inserted partitions, vinyl flooring and modern services are not considered to be of special architectural or historic interest.