The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre

The Sill is the UK’s first National Landscape Discovery Centre and the result of an innovative partnership between Northumberland National Park Authority and YHA (England and Wales). This £14.8m state-of-the-art visitor centre has been made possible by a £7.8m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Located in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site and within Northumberland National Park the building sits sympathetically in the landscape and is at the forefront of sustainable design.

The Sill – The UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre features fixed and temporary exhibitions focusing on landscape, culture and heritage, several learning and event spaces, a 90 seater café showcasing local produce, a world-class Youth Hostel, a rural business hub to house and support new and emerging rural enterprises, a shop with local produce, arts and crafts, a tourist information service and a fully accessible Whin Sill grassland roof, planted to replicate the unique natural grassland of the surrounding area.

At £14.8m, The Sill – The UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre is the most ambitious project undertaken by any UK National Park Authority.

Appointed by Northumberland National Park Authority Montfort Consultants worked with the project team to develop the visitor café concept and business potential. In conjunction with our design partners we also supported with specialist design advice to review and develop the outline catering spaces and equipment budget.

Advice and support has included:

• Client objectives & site dynamics determined
• Local, national research and competition review
• Benchmarking – demand, financials, best practice & market trends
• Demand & financial models developed
• Seating model developed
• Concept appraisal & development
• Management options
• Working with design teams