York Archaeological Trust has unveiled the first concept images of York’s potential Roman-themed visitor attraction, including a look at the Eboracum museum.
The pictures, created by design, build and production company RMA, depict how Roman York and its exhibition space may look. RMA previously worked with the York Archaeological Trust (YAT) on reimagining the Jorvik Viking Centre.
“We have been working behind the scenes on concepts for what the visitor attraction may eventually look like for some time, but this is without knowing what fascinating items we might unearth during the archaeological dig,” said Sarah Maltby, Director of Attractions at YAT.
“Our role is to share the stories of Roman York, and these stories will inevitably be shaped by what we find here and the things we learn for the first time about how the Romans lived on this very site.”
The attraction, which will be located on York’s Rougier Street, is a joint project from YAT, developer North Star and hotel operator Native, who hope to submit a planning application this year and open the Roman Quarter in five years.
A first look at the Roman Quarter in York
The Roman Quarter expects to welcome more than 500,000 visitors each year and contribute £20 million to York’s economy.
York Archaeological Trust is currently planning a public engagement exercise during a two-year archaeological dig, which will include tours, exhibitions and a chance to watch archaeologists working at the excavation site.
“We are keen to hear what the public think about the proposals as a whole, but we’re particularly excited that the entrance to our attraction will be on a new street from Tanner’s Moat to Tanner Street, reinstating a former Roman road and opening up a vista towards All Saints Church on North Street – we hope to use this to create an interactive space that provides a fantastic precursor to the exhibition inside,” added Sarah.
The Roman Quarter consultation session, a public exhibition event, will take place on July 4 between 1pm and 7pm at Society Bar, 1 Rougier Street. Consultation materials and feedback forms will be available here.
Roman York undergoing an archaeological dig
Meanwhile, the National Lottery Heritage Fund is open to applications from UK heritage organisations as the Heritage Horizon Awards is looking to invest £100 million over three years in new projects.
Images: York Archaeological Trust
