Futures

The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 2001 both seriously affected visitor numbers to Hadrian's Wall and businesses relying on tourism, and underlined the importance of Hadrian's Wall in the regional economy. The Regional Development Agencies (RDA's) for the north east and north west jointly commissioned a study in 2003-4 of how the presentation of Hadrian's Wall might be developed to enhance its economic contribution.

The Major Study recommended the development of preview centres to heighten awareness of Hadrian's Wall among tourists who might not otherwise have considered visiting Hadrian's Wall, interpretative "story centres" where visitors can learn about the whole WHS before visiting individual attractions, and upgrades to the existing attractions within the WHS. Other aspects include developing sustainable transport links between the main Story Centre in the central section and the sites. The programme has been estimated at £56 million.

To take this ambitious programme forward, work is progressing on forming a limited company, supported by the RDA's to bring together the WHS roles of the Hadrian's Wall Co-ordination Unit, the Hadrian's Wall Tourism Partnership and management of the National Trail, as well as deliver the capital projects recommended in the Major Study.