Interim findings from the Hadrians Wall major study commissioned by the two RDA's, combined with the ambitions of regeneration agencies like the RRC to develop new and improved tourism product in Maryport, pointed towards the need for an options study to look at the development of the Senhouse Roman Museum and Roman Fort site.

The Options Study Steering Group was established in September 2003 to manage the process, and comprises major stakeholders in the project, namely Allerdale Borough Council, the principal land-owners (Mr & Mrs H Messenger), Maryport Developments Ltd, the Maryport Heritage Trust, and Rural Regeneration Cumbria, as well as the Museum. Grant aid was secured from the RRC and the MHT, and consultants appointed to an agreed brief.

The process has identified a range of options as to how Roman Maryport might be developed, which centre on the acquisition of the Fort and a range of adjacent farm buildings by the Trust or a similar body. The final report is available to download at the bottom of this page.