STONEHENGE has been given a £10m boost, thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, it has been revealed.
The grant will support work to remove the existing visitor facilities allowing the experience of the stones to be more naturally integrated with its ancient processional approach and the surrounding landscape.
These improvements will give people the chance to explore what the site would have been like thousands of years ago.
The project aims to improve the visitor experience, including the creation of a new carefully designed visitor centre which will include education and exhibition spaces to help people learn more about Stonehenge’s history.
The project will also support training opportunities and a new volunteering programme.
Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “Stonehenge is one of the archaeological wonders of the world. It demonstrates the vital role heritage plays within the UK’s tourism industry as well as being a great example of our fascinating history.
"This Heritage Lottery Fund investment will help transform this site and give people a much greater understanding of why it is so significant.”
The stones, described as ‘the most architecturally sophisticated pre-historic stone circle in the world’, was constructed and in use between 3,000BC to 1,600BC.
It is thought to have been used for a variety of religious ceremonies and the surrounding landscape – a World Heritage Site -contains over 700 known archaeological features. Stonehenge attracts 900,000 visitors every year from across the globe.
Neil Oliver, archaeologist, historian and broadcaster, said: “Stonehenge is one of the most famous and important archaeological sites in the world - right up there with the Pyramids of Egypt and the Colosseumin Rome.
"Just the sound of the word makes us wonder about our ancient past and our ancestors.” “It's therefore fantastic news that thanks to this grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, visitors will have an even better experience than before.
"Perhaps more importantly, the money will help ensure the magic of that special place will be retained, and looked after into the future. Stonehenge has always been a mind- blowing experience. With this kind of support, it hopefully always will be.”
Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said, ”We are tremendously grateful for this generous grant.
"Not only does it help to narrow the funding gap for the project considerably, it also sends out a message of confidence about the transformational benefits that the project will bring - to tourism, local economy, and the conservation and public enjoyment of Stonehenge and its landscape. “
The news comes on the same day researchers have claimed that ball bearings were used in the construction of the stones.
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