Northumberland National Park Authority, and its partners, are celebrating today after plans for The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre were officially given the green light. Plans for the £11.2m initiative have passed a significant milestone, paving the way for planning consent to be granted as approved by the National Park Authority’s Development Management Committee on 18 September.

The plans for the new centre, which is to replace the existing 1960s Once Brewed facilities with a flagship visitor attraction, training and educational centre, were referred by a third party to be determined by the Secretary of State.

The Sill will become an innovation in responsible, sustainable design – from its biomass boiler to a spacious photovoltaic canopy, the building will be constructed to high environmental standards. Its overarching aim is to create a space which will transform how people experience, enjoy, understand and care for the landscape; its high standards in building sustainability and environmental excellence will set the model for the future.

Designed in consultation with members of the community and supported by high-level peer review, architects Jane Darbyshire and David Kendall (JDDK) took all feedback into the design process to produce their subsequent site plans. Extensive public input highlighted the importance of a building that sits sympathetically in the landscape and the final designs are reflective of this concept 'inspired by the landscape and of the landscape.'

The innovative 'Whin vegetation roof', which will contain a variety of the rare plant species found in Northumberland National Park, will transform the visitor experience. This centrepiece of the building will be accessible to all, with visitors able to walk on the roof with flat access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and explore at close quarters the rare wildlife of the Northumbrian landscape, whilst taking in stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

As part of the original design brief, JDDK have incorporated learning facilities, modern, group-friendly accommodation, conference, exhibition and retail amenities, as well as a local produce café and communal spaces into the design. As the project moves forward, the team are working closely with the interpretation designers at Bright 3D as plans for the exhibition space are brought to life.

Art and external play spaces will make The Sill an exciting place for visitors to start a discovery of the landscape of Northumberland and beyond. The overarching theme for the exhibition space is 'hidden in plain view' and will explore a variety of different aspects of the landscape. The centre will also house superfast broadband, five external activity areas, serviced office accommodation for outdoor activity businesses and areas for retail of local produce.

The Sill development phase has been driven forward by lead partners Northumberland National Park Authority and YHA (England and Wales), supported by funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Northumberland National Park Authority Chairman Cllr John Riddle, commented: “We are delighted plans for The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre can now move forward, as the Department for Communities and Local Government have confirmed that the Local Planning Authority can issue the planning approval.

“Receiving confirmation that the Department for Communities and Local Government does not wish to intervene is great news for the project. This backs up the decision taken at local level and demonstrates that the Secretary of State is content for the project to go ahead.

“The long term gains of the project include economic growth and job creation which will offer a step-change benefit for the whole of the North East and then there are the benefits you just cannot put a price on – including the impact the project will have on young people from a training and educational perspective.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported The Sill project to date and contributed throughout the extensive consultation process, to help shape plans for this exciting new development. We look forward to working with our partners across the county and beyond to help realise the vision for The Sill.”

Stuart Evans, Sill Project Director at Northumberland National Park Authority, said: “From the outset, The Sill project has involved the whole community, inviting people to participate and share their thoughts and feedback. We want to create a centre which everyone can be proud of.

“As part of the next stage of development, we want to continue this process and invite anyone who would like to contribute to come forward and help us realise the project’s full potential. Working together, we have such a wonderful opportunity through The Sill to compliment and support the excellent tourism offer in our region and open up the landscape to a whole new audience.”