Member Article

Northumberland National Park’s flagship ‘Sill’ project secures £7.8 million HLF grant

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help more people explore and learn about the nation’s finest countryside, has today (Monday 2 February) been awarded a grant of £7.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Located in the heart of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site in Northumberland National Park, the Sill will become the country’s first national landscape discovery centre, giving more people than ever before, the chance to experience the countryside’s special and often hidden treasures.

Just like a sat-nav that helps you find your destination, the Sill will direct people to the places that may seem out of reach or difficult to find. It will revolutionise everyone’s ability to find and experience nature and the great outdoors, inspiring, involving and engaging people from all walks of life in the natural and cultural heritage of Northumberland.

The Sill will deliver a comprehensive programme of interpretation, education, research and events that will inspire people to celebrate, value and conserve the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Northumberland landscape. It will attract more than 100,000 visitors each year, and will offer an all-weather and year-round facility that provides hostel accommodation, retail facilities and a café.

Spearheaded by Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA) and YHA (England and Wales), the lead partners are celebrating the latest stage of all the hard work and dedication by the people and organisations involved in this flagship project.

Northumberland National Park is home to some of England’s darkest skies, cleanest rivers, ancient landscapes, rich culture and heritage and breath-taking scenery. Recent national opinion polls show that 89% of people strongly support National Parks but these polls also show a large decline in visits from young people and less wealthy people who didn’t know as much about national parks and their importance to the nation.

Representatives from HLF, NNPA, YHA and Northumberland County Council, today came together to celebrate the decision and all that the Sill will bring to the area. The partners hope this achievement will act as a springboard to help raise the remaining £2.2 million funds needed to ensure the project reaches its full potential.

John Riddle, Chairman of Northumberland National Park Authority, hailed this moment as an historic one for the region. He said: “We are absolutely delighted by today’s announcement. To receive such substantial HLF backing is a wonderful boost for the project and marks a very significant day for the North East.”

Tony Gates, Chief Executive of the National Park Authority, claims the project will transform how people will learn about and explore our landscapes. He said: “The great outdoors is important to people, it enriches our lives, it makes us feel alive.

“The Sill will help people from all walks of life explore and learn about Britain’s finest landscapes. Through this project, we will inspire the next generation of custodians, protecting the legacy of our stunning landscapes for the future.

“We are particularly keen to ensure young people benefit, with The Sill as our answer to the ipad in helping grab young peoples’ attention.

“We’re very grateful to the organisations and individuals who have supported the project in helping us get this far, it’s been a real team effort and we will need their ongoing support to ensure The Sill delivers to its full potential and the maximum number of people benefit from a connection with our heritage.”

Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “With the famous Hadrian’s Wall and much more besides on the doorstep, this new state-of-the-art discovery centre will become the perfect base from which to explore the national park’s unquestionable beauty.

“The Heritage Lottery Fund’s investment is also supporting a year-round programme of exhibitions and activities that will ensure that visitors are tempted back to Northumberland again and again, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.”

The HLF grant will help to secure the future of this ambitious project, with construction expected to begin on site later this year. The activity programme will start in autumn 2015 and the Sill national landscape discovery building will open its doors to the public in June 2017.

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