Govind Tekale
Wiltshire Council has approved English Heritage’s plans to construct two new educational facilities near the Stonehenge visitor center. Located approximately 2.5 miles west of the ancient stone circle, these buildings represent a strategic investment to enhance visitor experiences at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The project includes a learning center and a “Neolithic classroom,” both designed to provide immersive educational experiences. The learning center will span 397 square meters and feature a STEM lab alongside studio spaces connected to outdoor learning areas. Meanwhile, the Neolithic classroom draws inspiration from communal buildings discovered at nearby Durrington Walls, offering visitors hands-on activities, object handling, and costumed storytelling.
“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,” states the organization in its application documents.
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Wiltshire Council’s case officer report noted that although the new facilities will result in an increase of traffic to the area, this traffic is likely to be by bus, which is in line with the council’s policy of decreasing travel by private car.
“The council’s case officer concluded: “It is concluded that the public benefits of the proposal would outweigh the limited harm to heritage assets in the planning balance and refusal on heritage and landscape grounds would not be justified.”
These new facilities aim to deepen visitors’ appreciation of Neolithic life through authentic experiences and scientific exploration. The learning center particularly recognizes how archaeological research at Stonehenge increasingly relies on scientific methods to understand discoveries.
Construction timelines and project costs have not been specified in the approved plans.
