A long running saga: stewardship of the site has been the subject of debate for at least 100 years. © English Heritage

Proposals to revise Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan and to improve the monument's landscape setting and visitor centre in time for the 2012 Olympics were unveiled for public consultation on July 15 by Margaret Hodge, Culture Minister, and Lord Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of English Heritage.

The proposals were put together by English Heritage on behalf of a group of heritage and government departments to take forward the Government's commitment to make environmental improvements at Stonehenge. The move follows the Transport Minister's decision, in December 2007, to cancel a scheme for improvements to the A303 road at Stonehenge.

"Stonehenge is one of the UK's most recognisable landmarks and it's important that we preserve it so that future generations can enjoy its mystery,” said Margaret Hodge, Culture Minister. “Today's consultation will give everyone the opportunity to have their say about the future of one of the world's most important sites, whilst ensuring that we have the right measures in place to improve the setting of the stones and deliver an improved visitor centre in time for 2012."

The A303 (left) and A344 (right) see high levels of traffic congestion and the junction is an accident blackspot

Lord Bruce-Lockhart, Chairman of English Heritage, said: "Stonehenge is the greatest achievement of prehistoric culture anywhere in Europe, an international tourist attraction and a much-loved icon of British identity. It is inconceivable that the inadequacies of the site should be allowed to continue any longer.”

“With political will and financial commitment I believe the Government can achieve a breakthrough this time and I urge all of you who care for Stonehenge to take part in the consultation. We are putting forward practical and affordable options that could be delivered by 2012. Our long-term aim is still the vision enshrined in the Management Plan."

Two broad areas of change are being put out for public comment: firstly, a revision of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site Management Plan, which will provide the policy context within which decisions will be taken on the proposed environmental improvements.

The long-term vision of the 2000 Management Plan remains, but because of the Government's decision cancelling the A303 road scheme, the management plan now focuses on creating a framework for improvements that could be delivered in the immediate future.

Secondly, environmental improvement proposals have been tabled for comment. These are led by five suggestions for the location of new visitor facilities.

1) Redevelopment of the current visitor facilities site;
2) The area around Byway 12 near Durrington Down Farm;
3) The area around the A344 near Fargo Plantation;
4) The area around Airman's Corner junction;
5) The area around Rollestone Camp junction.

The aim of these changes is to provide better interpretation of the World Heritage Site and a new café, larger shop and improved visitor amenities within ‘a high quality building’ that is at the same time sensitive to its surroundings.

According to the promoters of the plans, environmental friendliness, carbon footprint, energy saving and water recycling will be considered as part of the visitor centre provision. It will also be reversible, allowing for easy removal in the future, if desired.

Also included in the consultation is closure of the A344 where it runs adjacent to the Stones. This involves the closure of its junction with the A303, which would in turn require changes to other nearby junctions on the road network.

With the redundant carriageway removed and the land returned to grassland, there would be a major improvement to the environment around Stonehenge, and better access between the stones and the landscape immediately to the north.

The Government is expected to decide by the end of this year on preferred options for the proposed A344 road closure and the location of new visitor facilities. A planning application will be submitted in summer 2009, when there will be further public consultation on the scheme. Construction work is expected to take place in 2011, with the new visitor facilities scheduled to open in early 2012, in time for the London Olympics.

The public will have a chance to learn more about these proposals at the following exhibitions:

17 - 19 July, Antrobus House, 39 Salisbury Road Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7HH
Thursday 17 July 1pm - 6 pm
Friday 18 July 1pm - 6 pm
Saturday 19 July 10 am - 5 pm

24 - 26 July, Society of Antiquaries, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J OBE
10 am - 5 pm daily

28 July - 17 October, Wyndham House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, SP1 2EN
Monday - Friday. By arrangement during office hours - please call 01722 343830 to make an appointment

A consultation booklet with feedback questionnaires is available by calling 0845 026 4409, or online at
www.stonehengeconsultation.org

Stonehenge is an icon of English history - and it's featured in Icons of England, our partner website. Click here to find out more about this fascinating and mysterious place.