Plans to enhance Carlisle's appeal as a heritage tourism destination have received a funding boost of more than £1.5m from two regional development agencies.

The Northwest European Regional Development Fund has provided £1m and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has contributed an additional £520,000. Carlisle's Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery is set to benefit from the investment, which will help create a new gallery using a range of interactive technology to recreate life in the Roman city.

Public realm improvements are also planned in a bid to enhance the links between the attraction and the Hadrian's Wall Path, including a number of orientation hubs at key junctions and bespoke seating. The scheme will form part of wider efforts to create a Historic Quarter in Carlisle and along the Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site, which is designed to establish Carlisle as the wall's western gateway.

NWDA director of tourism Nick Brooks-Sykes said: "This exciting development will help to establish Carlisle as a must-see, world-class gateway to the western and central sections of Hadrian's Wall. "The city has huge potential to attract many more visitors, to capitalise on its Roman Heritage and to nurture the distinctiveness which gives it visitor appeal."

Carlisle City Council leader Mike Mitchelson added: "The new gallery and tourism trail will allow us to capitalise on our strong Roman heritage and will attract international, as well as national visitors, to the city." Image: Redman Design