Natural world tourism attraction gets £8m grant
Northumberland National Park’s flagship ‘Sill’ project secures £7.8m Heritage Lottery Fund grant
The Sill’s target is to attract over 100,000 visitors a year to find and experience nature and the great outdoors.
The project, spearheaded by the Youth Hostel Association and Northumberland National Park Authority and will include an all-weather year-round facility and hostel accommodation, shops and a café.
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, helping more people than ever before, learn about and explore the countryside’s special and often hidden treasures.
Northumberland National Park is home to some of England’s darkest skies, having recently been awarded International Dark Sky Park status, cleanest rivers, ancient landscapes, rich culture and heritage and breath-taking scenery.
However although recent national opinion polls show that 89% of people strongly support National Parks there is a decline in visits from young people and those less well off.
Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall
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."
Local businesses should also feel the benefits of the Sill – a shop window for all that they have to offer.
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