Segedunum Roman Fort Visitor Centre

Segedunum Visitor Centre is a striking landmark building which is intended to be exciting for visitors to explore and designed to provide staff with first class research and teaching facilities.  These include offices, work rooms, galleries for permanent and temporary exhibitions, classrooms and conferencing suites, and specialised storage space where archaeological finds can be studied.  Constructed with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the museum affords visitors an insight into Roman life at Segedunum and explores Wallsend’s rich ship building and coal heritage.  Computer modelling and visualisations enrich more traditional methods of display.

The neighbouring shipyards provided the inspiration for the building.  The architecture references the industrial setting and reflects the advanced technology employed within this 21st century museum.  The upturned hull-like form of the link appears to float above frameless glass walls and contains the reception hall, with space for a shop, loos and a cafe.  The structure resolves the complex circulation between the free public areas, paid galleries and controlled teaching rooms in the former Canteen Building, and reconciles the change of level to the private offices and conferencing suites located in the former Institute Building.

The tower and crows nest auditorium signal the location of this World Heritage Site.  They provide a unique overview of one of the most extensively excavated Roman forts in Europe set against the dramatic industrial riverscape.  With Wallsend Colliery, Swan Hunters and an array of modern maritime industries closely located, the view reveals the interleaving layers of history and their effect on the landscape.

The potential for VR as a powerful research tool and unique visitor experience was explored in collaboration with Manchester University.  A digital model, continually updated with the latest findings, would become an invaluable knowledge base for the academics.  Visitors wearing VR headsets would have access and, from the comfort of their seats in the crow’s nest, be taken on an immersive flying tour of the Roman settlement.

Segedunum was completed on time and on budget under a partnering agreement with the main contractor.  Visitor numbers exceeded expectations and the museum continues to receive positive press reviews.  The museum received a number of awards including the Heritage in Britain Award and a commendation for a Civic Trust Award soon after it opened.

The museum received a number of awards including the Heritage in Britain Award and a commendation for a Civic Trust Award soon after it opened.