Sunday Sun

VISITOR CENTRE LAUNCHES WITH WEEK OF ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS Landscape hub opens doors

- By Michael Muncaster Reporter michael.muncaster@ncjmedia.co.uk

THE UK’s first national landscape discovery centre has opened to the public.

The Sill – a multimilli­on-pound developmen­t – officially opened its doors yesterday.

Ahead of its unveiling, we were given a sneak peak inside the £14.8m attraction, which is one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by an English national park.

The Sill, near Once Brewed in the Northumber­land National Park, aims to encourage more people to get out and about and enjoy the county’s beautiful landscape.

It boasts a state-of-the-art visitor centre, 86-bed youth hostel and a variety of exhibition­s focusing on the county’s landscape, culture and heritage.

There is also a 90-seat café, gift shop, rural business hub and learning and event spaces.

The attraction’s centrepiec­e is a Whin Sill grass roof, created to replicate the surroundin­g landscape.

Building work started in November 2015 and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) contribute­d £7.8m towards the project.

Northumber­land National Park Authority chairman, Glen Sanderson, said: “Our vision is for our nation’s exceptiona­l landscapes to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.

“It will provide the opportunit­y for people to explore, understand and nurture these landscapes and the people, heritage and wildlife that shape them.

“As well as enabling local enterprise to thrive, it will help to support employment and job creation through activity days and events throughout the park.”

To celebrate The Sill’s opening, the national park is hosting a week-long festival of activities and events.

Ivor Crowther, head of HLF North East, said The Sill will become a gateway to Northumber­land’s incredible heritage and beauty.”y new Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre at Once Brewed. Pictured is Sarah Glynn

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