By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 16:00, Friday, 27 November 2009

TULLIE House is to appoint a new chairman for a potential Trust to champion Carlisle’s main museum.

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The news comes as this week multi-million plans for a new Roman Gallery and tourism trail linking in with Hadrian’s Wall took another step forward.

Carlisle City Council’s Executive Committee gave the go-ahead for funding bids totalling £1.9m to be submitted to the European Regional Development Fund and North West Regional Development Agency. The overall scheme will cost £2.37m.

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Mike Mitchelson, said: “The new gallery and tourism trail would allow us to capitalise on our strong Roman heritage and would attract international, as well as national visitors, to the city.

“The submission of the funding bids is a major step forward for the schemes and if successful, will provide a significant boost to our local economy.”

It is proposed that the City Council provides £260,000 towards the project. Capital funding bids to the (NWDA and 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 bids are agreed, the new Roman Gallery is planned to be open by spring 2011.

It is a major step forward for the museum as it looks to market itself on a national and international scale.

The buildings and collections will remain with Carlisle City Council and the model of the new Trust will be similar to the council’s current partnership with Carlisle Leisure Limited, which manages the Sands Centre and sports facilities in the city.

The Trust chairman would work with Tullie House and members of Carlisle City Council as they move towards Trust status for the museum.

Mr Mitchelson said: “Tullie House is positioned at the forefront of ambitious development plans for Carlisle’s culture and heritage.

“This is an exciting stage in the museum’s development and we are looking for someone who will champion Tullie House throughout the region, nationally and internationally.

“We want someone who will share our passion, commitment and vision for keeping Tullie House as the jewel in the crown of Carlisle.”

It is planned to convert the Millennium Gallery beneath Castle Way into the Roman Gallery, with work due to start next spring. Sculptures, signs and information boards would tempt long-distance walkers off the Hadrian’s Wall trail to explore the city.

It is estimated that the new gallery would bring an extra 50,000 visitors each year to Tullie House.

First published at 14:05, Friday, 27 November 2009
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk