Member Article

Opportunities for all as The Sill takes shape

Northumberland National Park’s flagship project to create The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre at Once Brewed on the Roman Wall is really taking shape.

The build work started in November and now the warmer weather is here the project is progressing at full speed for an opening in summer 2017. The ground levelling works are complete and the steel framework is in place revealing the fantastic public viewing area at its highest point.

In the next month the walls for the Youth Hostel Association wing will be built and from September the building will be weather tight with over 100 tradespeople working on the site. Using a new drone and aerial camera, National Park officers have captured some remarkable footage of the The Sill under construction.

The film is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvVPbFpSry0.

Over the next few months, The Sill will be filmed again when flying conditions allow, enabling viewers to see it mature into a world-class visitor destination.

As the construction phase gathers momentum Northumberland National Park Authority is also calling for local businesses who are interested in moving into the new Sill Enterprise Hub or running its local produce café with panoramic views of Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding countryside, to get in touch.

They’ve also launched a recruitment campaign for a range of jobs connected to The Sill and its Park-wide activity and engagement programme. They include a Sill Learning Officer, Activities Support Officer and Learning Assistant. To find out more go to:

http://www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk/about/jobs-training/vacancies/.

Dr. Sarah Glynn, Sill Manager at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “The Sill is a once in a lifetime opportunity to turn a national spotlight on the vital importance of landscape to our nation’s health, wealth and well-being. It will stimulate and nurture the next generation of landscape enthusiasts, open up access to the countryside for everyone and ensure that these last wild places - and the communities within them - continue to thrive.

“A major purpose of The Sill is to enable the landscapes of Northumberland National Park and surrounding Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be opened up to even more people, including children, families, older people, disabled people and those who are less confident at exploring natural places.

“However The Sill is far more than simply a visitor destination. It is a gateway from which extensive learning and research activities will be provided and become a leading education facility for landscape, conservation, countryside management, leisure, and tourism skills. Our comprehensive activity programme will inspire people to celebrate, value and conserve Northumberland’s unique natural and cultural features.”

The total cost for The Sill - both capital and revenue over five years - will be £14.8 million. To date, more than £12 million has been secured towards the project’s capital and revenue costs. The Sill was awarded nearly £8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the highest HLF grant ever awarded to a national park.

In order to realise the incredible potential of The Sill and the creation of the first dedicated National Landscape Discovery Centre in the country, the project requires a further £2.2 million and the National Park Authority is seeking support from donors and sponsors who are keen to make their own lasting mark on the landscape by investing in something exceptional.

Anyone seeking more information should contact Rosie Thomas, Head of Fundraising at Northumberland National Park Authority on 01434 611543 or email rosie.thomas@nnpa.org.uk.

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