A major funding boost has been announced for one of Northumberland's most important Roman sites.
A development grant of £286,623 has been awarded to English Heritage from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Shared Horizons Project at Housesteads Roman Fort.
The project is a collaboration between English Heritage, the National Trust, and Northumberland County Council aimed at transforming the visitor experience and improving public access.
As part of the changes, English Heritage will assume management of the Housesteads Visitor Centre, which the National Trust previously operated.
The move is intended to create a more unified and streamlined experience for visitors.
This funding represents an important next step in delivering a long-term project to transform the historically significant site on Hadrian’s Wall, making it easier for more people to explore, improving the museum and telling more of the fort’s remarkable stories, providing a better all-round visit.
Andrea Selley, operations director, North at English Heritage, said: "We are grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their development grant which stands as an early endorsement for our aspirations for the Shared Horizons project.
"It is our hope that the project will not only improve the visitor experience at Housesteads but work to involve local communities in creating inspiring activities and volunteering opportunities, and to allow more people to connect with nature and heritage.
"This funding is a vital first step and we are working at pace to put together our plans for the next round of funding."
Housesteads, situated roughly halfway along Hadrian’s Wall, is considered the most complete Roman fort in Britain.
Built within a decade of AD 122, when work on the Wall began, it was later garrisoned by an 800-strong infantry regiment until the end of the fourth century.
Despite its historical significance and dramatic setting, much improvement is necessary.
The development funding will support detailed planning for upgrades to the museum, improved interpretation of the site, refurbishment of the activity centre, and better paths and facilities to improve accessibility.
There are also ambitions to enhance the site's environmental sustainability.
Helen Featherstone, director of England, North at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We’re thrilled to support English Heritage with this initial grant.
"Thanks to National Lottery players, this development phase will help progress plans to transform Housesteads Roman Fort into an enviable visitor attraction where local communities can be inspired by its fascinating heritage."
Officials hope to build on Housesteads’ value as a World Heritage Site and a "natural meeting place for stories and cultures," while addressing the practical and interpretive challenges that have limited its potential.
The funding marks early progress toward these long-term goals.
English Heritage and its partners expect to apply for further National Lottery Heritage funding as project planning develops.
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