Member Article

Over 150 jobs at Northumberland visitor centre

Over 150 jobs could be created at the new Landscape Discovery Centre in Northumberland, the Northumberland National Park Authority and YHA suggest.

The Economic Impact Assessment report estimates “The Sill” centre has the potential to attract up to 120,000 new visitors annually when it opens in 2016, and the potential to create up to 156 new jobs, rising to 172 by 2021/22.

Some £3.35m could be contributed to the local economy within the first year, rising to £3.68m a year by 2021/22.

Building of The Sill will start in 2014, and will replace the existing 1960s visitor centre and Youth Hostel at Once Brewed in the central section of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.

£8.8m will be invested in the development and construction of the building which will be environmentally sustainable through use of local building materials and onsite renewable energy generation.

Local businesses and attractions are set to benefit from the new development. By showcasing local producers and service providers in the planned cafe, shop and exhibition space, hosting farmers’ markets and developing themed itineraries for visitors to explore the wider Northumberland area and region, the report also predicts the positive impact of The Sill on enterprise in the local area.

As a result of visitor demand created by The Sill, the report predicts the creation of 18 new businesses or start ups from 2016, with existing businesses in the region benefiting from the influx of tourists to the area and the opportunity to sell and showcase their produce and services.

John Riddle, chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “The Sill is a project of both national and international significance and the Economic Impact Assessment report confirms what our detailed strategic planning predicted in terms of the positive outcomes for the local and regional economy.

“The Sill will offer a unique visitor experience, and our aim is to attract not only day visitors but those wishing to stay and explore the region for longer periods of time. The local community is at the heart of this project and working in partnership with local people and businesses, The Sill will act as a hub for people to go out and explore Northumberland’s stunning landscapes including local attractions, retail and hospitality services. It also hopes to sell local products and services, which has the potential to significantly enhance the region’s economy.”

The Sill will feature an 86 bed Youth Hostel, which will support learning activities at the site.

Stuart Evans, project director for Northumberland National Park, explained: “We have spent three years downsizing our organisation and we are now able to operate on much reduced government funding. This is a great time to invest as our stable budget platform enables the National Park Authority to make a significant physical and financial investment by modernising this essential infrastructure in the popular Hadrian’s Wall part of the Northumberland National Park.

“Working with partners such as the YHA, The National Trust and private businesses we are confident this new infrastructure will provide a long-term income stream from a one-off capital investment – a step change benefit for the regional economy and the nation’s enjoyment and discovery of the National Park’s beautiful landscape.”

Lucy Howard, from Longsyke Farm, located close to the current Once Brewed site, explained some of the benefits The Sill presents to her business: “The Sill will give the local economy the boost that is needed by bringing in additional visitors to the National Park, not only during the peak seasons but at all times of the year. As a business operating in this area, we are very excited by the opportunities presented by The Sill.

“As well as our holiday cottage business, we also run a working farm and for us, any project that raises awareness of the rural environment, is a very positive thing. Lots of people have a relatively low awareness of agriculture and with the potential to open up our farm to current and new visitors and possibly even sell our local produce at The Sill’s new site, we believe it will benefit us by acting as a shop window for all that we have to offer. It’s my hope that the Sill will give rural businesses in this area the chance to showcase the things that make them unique, giving visitors the opportunity to understand our stunning landscape while raising awareness of where their food comes from.”

Development of the project has started with funding from The Heritage Lottery Fund, and over the next 10 months, the Northumberland National Park will undertake extensive consultation with the local community and businesses.

Northumberland National Park Authority and the YHA are seeking to secure an additional £2.5 million in funding for the full project costs and to make their vision for The Sill a reality, the project needs your support. You can support The Sill by volunteering, attending one of the project’s consultation events or making a donation towards the £2.5 million target.

The Economic Impact Assessment report was prepared by New Skills Consulting and The KSA Partnership.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .