Stonehenge visitor centre could have new buildings

Stonehenge, in the south of Wiltshire, is a World Heritage Site

New education facilities could be built at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre.

English Heritage wants permission for two new buildings at the site as part of a plan for "improvements to the visitor experience at Stonehenge".

The first new building would be close to the shuttle bus turnaround area and the second would be close to the existing Neolithic village.

A consultation on the plans is now open, with a decision expected before mid-February 2024.

According to the application, the continuous archaeological research at Stonehenge increasingly relies on scientific insight to fully understand and explore the discoveries made.

The changes would see two new buildings at the visitor centre

It states: "This is a significant part of the story of Stonehenge to be able to share that with education visitors."

The construction of the "Neolithic classroom" would be based on evidence for Neolithic communal buildings found at Durrington Walls in the north east of the World Heritage Site.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the proposals also include the retention of the existing temporary facilities building to "address a need to improve the working environment and welfare facilities for staff in line with changing operational requirements".

The application concluded: "Given its international status and cultural significance, English Heritage believes that Stonehenge should have a sector-leading education offer as befits this unique and special place - one that ensures that all education groups, both free and paying visits, have a world-class experience."

The consultation deadline is 15 December and Wiltshire Council must make its decision by 15 February.