Runnymede council: Magna Carta centre plans 'still alive'

The council said it wanted to reactivate the Olympic spirit for Magna Carta celebrations in 1215

Plans for a visitor centre on the site where the Magna Carta was sealed in Surrey are "very much alive", a council has said.

A bid for lottery cash for the project failed this month, but the council will now seek other sponsorship.

The centre is intended to be a legacy following celebrations in 2015 to mark the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta.

Runnymede Borough Council said it would review the situation again in November.

Chief executive Paul Turrell said councillors had agreed to pursue other sources of funding through the authority's sponsorship company.

'Tourism benefit'

He said: "There will be a wide range of appropriate celebrations in 2015 when Runnymede will be the focus of the world.

"If the Olympic spirit of 2012 can be reactivated for the Magna Carta 800th Anniversary in 2015, this will bring tourism and economic benefit to Surrey, Runnymede, Egham town, Ankerwycke and surrounding areas."

The council had applied for £3,843,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to build the permanent centre on the site, near Staines.

It was originally hoped that 50% of the money would come from the lottery and 50% from sponsors.

King John signed Magna Carta at Runnymede Meadow, near Egham, in 1215. It formed a peace treaty between King John and barons who were in revolt.

Copies of Magna Carta, which forms part of the common law of England, are held at the British Library and at Salisbury and Lincoln cathedrals.