Burlington House update
Sir David Attenborough and broadcaster and astronomer Brian Cox have been raising awareness of the Geological Society’s future occupancy of Burlington House, as the matter continues to be a focus of Society Council discussions
Rising rents at Burlington House have put our tenure at risk
Readers were informed earlier in 2021 of the difficulties facing the Society with regard to its future occupancy of Burlington House. Political engagement continued during the summer with Sir David Attenborough writing to the Prime Minister presenting the case for the Geological Society (and the Linnean and Antiquaries) to remain at Burlington House, and the broadcaster and astronomer Brian Cox presenting the case on the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. Discussions with Government continue but, at the time of writing, there is no sign of a change of heart from the landlord regarding the unaffordability of future rents.
In parallel, the ‘Relocation Options’ project, chaired by past-President David Shilston, continues to evaluate the options available to the Society should it be forced to seek new premises. The matter continues to be a focus of Council discussions, and further updates will be provided in due course.
Richard Hughes, Executive Secretary
