Four projects in Cumbria along Hadrian’s Wall are moving forward with their bids for funding from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

The World Heritage Site is central to the Deal’s aims of opening up the region to a growing and diverse audience of visitors, creating jobs and supporting sustainable communities.

An expression of interest process was opened in July for initiatives to unlock a share of £9million to be spent across the counties of Cumbria and Northumberland.

The initial criteria were for projects located five miles either side of Hadrian’s Wall, along its entire length, from west to east.

They also had to demonstrate they fit with the Borderlands’ programme themes of improving infrastructure and facilities, and investment in attractions.

After a shortlisting process the following successful projects have been invited to submit business cases: Reimagining Roman Maryport at the Senhouse Roman Museum, Reimagining the Romans at Tullie House, a joint project between Carlisle City Council and Copeland Borough Council to install pieces of artwork to encourage exploration along the west of the Wall, and a English Hertage project called Hadrian's Wall Into the 21st Century.

The Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is a ten year, £452million programme of investment to deliver sustainable and inclusive economic benefits across the North of England and South of Scotland.

It is a partnership between Carlisle City Council, Cumbria County Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council, Northumberland County Council and Scottish Borders Council, with funding from the UK and Scottish Governments.

Its vision for Hadrian’s Wall is that by 2030 it will be the most widely recognised, appealing, and authentic visitor destination in the Borderlands region, and the UK’s leading example of heritage-inspired inclusive growth.

Cllr Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council and Borderlands Partnership co-chair, said: “The Romans first visited Cumbria some two thousand years ago but their history, artefacts and remains still bring thousands of people here to this day.

We hope these innovative new projects will encourage more visitors to explore our county’s past, from the Wall to the west coast, but also experience the area’s exciting present-day attractions.”

 

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