News Article

The new organisation responsible for the management of one of the region’s World Heritage Sites is to be named Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited will be at the heart of the preservation of the WHS, as well as supporting the economic regeneration of the communities through which it passes.

The new organisation will manage funding and the long-term conservation efforts on the Wall. It is also intended to improve the economic and social contribution the Wall makes to the communities through which it passes and the North of England as a whole.

Chairman, Ann Green, said: “I am delighted that we at last have a name for this exciting new organisation.

“Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited reflects the core values of the company, combining both the history of this breathtaking landmark and the need for one organisation to begin making the most of this national gem.”

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Interim Chief Executive, Terry Carroll, said: “I am certain that it will unite everyone associated with Hadrian’s Wall and carry forward our aims and aspirations for sustainable regeneration along its length.”

The streamlined new organisation will facilitate the evolution of Wall-wide activities, turning the landmark from a hidden gem into a worldwide, must-see visitor attraction. The new organisation will be responsible for the management of the World Heritage Site, facilitating its continued development and operating at national and international level.

The Mission for Hadrian’s Wall Heritage is to:
'Realise the economic, social and cultural regeneration potential of the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site and the communities and environs through which it passes, by sustainable tourism development, management and conservation activities that benefit the local community and the wider region, and in a way that reflects the values embodied in the World Heritage Site Management Plan.'

The new organisation will be the single point of focus for capital investment projects. In collaboration with site and landowners it will be responsible for delivering major capital investment projects associated with the Wall.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage will also work with partners to raise and sustain quality standards for visitors to the Wall, and help local communities take full advantage of the economic and social value of the Wall, through sustainable development, conservation, heritage management and education.

It is a significant milestone in the establishment of the new organisation and thanks are due to the many individuals and organisations that have contributed to, and been involved in, all development work. 

It is envisaged that the Hadrian’s Wall Heritage will be fully operational by the Autumn of 2006. Work is also progressing on the capital programme for re-investment in Hadrian’s Wall Sites and associated new and existing attractions.

For more information please contact: Terry Carroll, Interim Chief Executive, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, Tel: 0191 2296893; or Bryn Littleton, press office, One North East on Tel: (0191) 2296713, mobile no: 07717 468918. e-mail : bryn.littleton@onenortheast.co.uk
Notes to editors:
1. The new organisation will be responsible for:
· World Heritage Site (WHS) Management.
· Business Development – to develop a business model for NEWCO to deliver products and services aligned with regional business support arrangements.
· Marketing and Branding – both printed media and web materials.
· Education – to maintain and establish an educational offer.
· Transport including the cost of an extensive transport study.
· Volunteering – to include trail volunteers.
· Trail Management.

2. The mission for the new organisation is to:
“Realise the economic, social and cultural regeneration potential of the Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Site and the communities and environs through which is passes, by sustainable tourism development, management and conservation activities that benefit the local community and the wider region, and in a way that reflects the values embodied in the World Heritage Site Management Plan”.

3. The strategy for development and capital programme aims to achieve the following economic benefits:
· Over 1600 new jobs created
· Over 250 existing jobs safeguarded
· 34% increase in visitor numbers and ancillary growth in visitor expenditure

4. The aim is to raise the potential of Hadrian’s Wall to contribute more to the economic development of the communities along its length.
This will be achieved through a single management structure that will harness the support, drive and commitment of all key stakeholders