Work is well underway to carry out essential works at Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum that will transform the visitor experience.
Following an application submitted by North Tyneside Council earlier this year, the North East Combined Authority has contributed £499,000 from its UKSPF[1] allocation to help allow the Council to install a new roof.
This investment, on top of the £499,000 secured from Arts Council England’s MEND fund and over £650,000 from North Tyneside Council, will fund a new roof for the World Heritage Site’s museum, replacing the current roof that is reaching the end of its life.
The new roof will accommodate a new ventilation system to provide a more stable indoor temperature and humidity, making the museum more comfortable for staff and visitors, as well as the exciting prospect of being able to borrow and display artefacts from other museums, such as the British Museum, with the assurance that they would be safe in Segedunum.
Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “We are immensely lucky here in North Tyneside. We’ve got a World Heritage Site right on our doorstep and it’s something that we don’t take for granted – we are doing everything we can to maintain its high standards and ensure it remains the iconic visitor destination that it has been for all these years.
“This work to replace the roof and ventilation system will make the museum much more comfortable for anyone visiting, improving the overall experience and encouraging more people to come back, or recommend it to their friends and family.
“This is a really significant investment for Segedunum and we’ve got big plans for the whole of Wallsend. This is fantastic news and I look forward to seeing our ambition progress even further.”
The site is managed by North East Museums on behalf of North Tyneside Council. Geoff Woodward, Museum Manager, said: “This is an important milestone in our plans for the redevelopment of Segedunum Roman Fort and we’re excited about developing this important World Heritage Site for local residents to enjoy, as well as helping to attract visitors to our region.”
Cllr Amanda Hopgood, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Tourism at the North East Combined Authority, said: “Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum is one of the most iconic sites in our region so I’m delighted that we, as a combined authority, have been able to provide funding towards the site’s new roof.
“These works will massively improve the visitor experience at Segedunum and will hopefully encourage more people from across the North East and beyond to come along and visit.”
Jane Tarr, Director North, Arts Council England said “Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum attracts local people and visitors as part of Hadrian’s Wall, and it’s fantastic to see so many partners working together to provide investment to replace the current roof with one that includes new ventilation system. We were pleased to award a grant through the Museum Estate and Development Fund towards this work and I look forward to seeing how the improvements will enhance the experience of visitors for years to come.”
Notes for editors:
North Tyneside Council’s Ambition for Wallsend is built around three key priorities:
- Making the town centre and its neighbourhoods great places to visit and live by improving the street scene and public spaces and working with partners to make sure people feel safe
- Making improvements to the quality of housing in the town by renovating poor-quality properties and building new homes
- Connecting residents to good jobs through further education, transport infrastructure and putting Wallsend on the map for employers.
More information can be found on the Ambition for Wallsend page.