New gallery proposed for Tullie House

Multi-million plans have been put forward to create a new cutting-edge Roman Gallery at the Tullie House Museum and tourism trail linking in with Hadrian’s Wall.

A report to Carlisle City Council’s Executive committee seeks approval for the proposed £2.37 million Roman Gateway Project to go on to next stage and seek funding from regional and European funding bodies. The combined scheme includes:

• A new Roman Gallery aims to create a contemporary world-class, must-see attraction at the western end of Hadrian’s Wall. The new 400m² space will use the existing Millennium gallery space and will include cutting-edge interactive technology to explore the concepts of frontiers, focusing on the Roman Empire, Carlisle, and Hadrian’s Wall. It will include five narrative themes: On the Edge of Europe’s Largest Empire; The Dynamic Frontier; Britain as an Imperial Province; Real Life in Roman Carlisle and The Living Wall; and
• A tourism trail that will complement the new gallery and link in with the Hadrian’s Wall path. This would include interpretative features that will illustrate the city’s strong association with its Roman heritage. Way-markers, art-work and features will be designed to reflect the materials and history of Hadrian’s Wall and its forts.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said. ‘We need to build on our Roman heritage and Carlisle is one of the key gateways to Hadrian’s Wall. The plans will ensure that Tullie House is one of the region’s leading visitor attractions, with the new Roman Gateway Gallery at its core. It will give another reason for visitors to come to the city and will be a major boost to local tourism and economy.’

It is proposed that the City Council provides £260,000 towards the project. Capital funding bids to the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) will be sought for the remaining funding. Revenue funding bids will also be sought from the NWDA, ERDF and the Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd.

If the funding bids are agreed, the new Roman Gallery is planned to be open by spring 2011.

Tags: Carlisle Attractions, Carlisle City Council, Hadrians Wall, Northwest Regional Development Agency, Tullie House Museum