Roman fort handed to new custodians

A County Durham heritage attraction dating back to Roman Britain is set to come under new management as part of plans to enhance its future.

Durham County Council is transferring custodianship of Binchester Roman Fort to The Auckland Project. 

The site, one of the largest Roman military bases in northern Britain and dating back to 80 AD, features substantial remains including two well-preserved bath houses.

The move will see The Auckland Project manage the fort as an attraction and visitor centre, strengthening links with nearby destinations such as Auckland Palace. 

While the council owns part of the estate, much of the surrounding land already belongs to the charity.

The transfer is expected to generate annual savings of £15,000 for the council as it faces financial pressures. 

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “Binchester is a site of significant historical importance and is much loved by members of the public.

“We want to see the site reach its full potential, so we are working with The Auckland Project to transfer operation of the site to them. 

“This will allow the site to receive significant investment to make the experience for visitors even better than it is now.

“The move has also been identified as a significant saving in our budget, allowing us to protect frontline services, and forms part of our ongoing work to regenerate and transform Bishop Auckland into a thriving heritage town and visitor destination.”

As a registered charity, The Auckland Project will also be able to access funding streams to invest in improved facilities and visitor experience ahead of a summer reopening.

Jane Ruffer, chief executive of The Auckland Project, added: “We purchased the land at Binchester Roman Fort in 2014 to safeguard this hugely significant archaeological site for the public.

“Since then, we have supported Durham County Council’s guardianship of the Scheduled Monument.

“We are now entering an exciting new phase, when Binchester will join our group of attractions alongside Auckland Palace. 

“In this new phase of activity, The Auckland Project intends to improve both the visitor facilities, enhance the interpretation of the site, and fund essential conservation on the exposed archaeological remains.

“We aim to welcome more visitors, including families, to experience the wonder of archaeology, and share even more of the site’s rich history.”

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