Last updated 19:32, Thursday, 27 November 2008

MARYPORT is one step closer this week to a multi-million-pound Roman heritage development that could create up to 120 jobs in the town.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd has announced that it has bought part of Camp Farm, next to the Senhouse Roman Museum.

The land is one of Cumbria’s most important ancient sites.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage can now start looking at plans to build a visitor centre.

Peter Greggains, chairman of the Senhouse Museum Trust, said that even before the development began, the museum would be celebrating with a three-week Roman festival next year.

He said: “Now that Camp Farm is owned by Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited, the people of Maryport and, we hope, increasing numbers of visitors to the town will be able to explore one of the most important ancient sites in Cumbria.

“We plan, in 2009, to organise a three-week Roman festival at the museum, showcasing the ambitious plans for further development of a world-class heritage attraction.”

He added: “With the co-operation of Harold and Dorothy Messenger, the site’s former owners, we have been able to establish, by geophysical survey, the extent of the Roman town. Undoubtedly much remains to be discovered.”

Jane Laskey, Senhouse museum curator, said it was early days and full plans had not been finalised.