Robin Hood 'to be focus of transformed Nottingham Castle'

Little is made of the castle's connection with Robin Hood - but there is a statue outside the grounds

Robin Hood is to be the centrepiece of a multimillion-pound transformation of Nottingham Castle, the council says.

The legend brings tourists to the city from around the world, but many are disappointed when they see the castle and little mention of Robin Hood.

Nottingham City Council said it was responding to public feedback by creating a "memorable Robin Hood experience".

Work is expected to start next year, with the attraction opening in 2020.

An interactive Robin Hood Gallery will be created, allowing visitors to "step back in time" and enter a medieval experience

The Robin Hood Gallery will include interactive games, including one called The Golden Arrow

The £24m project has been under way since 2013, but the city council has announced more details of how it will create a "world-class visitor destination".

Plans include:

• The creation of Robin Hood Gallery, allowing visitors to "step back in time" with interactive audio-visual storytelling, interactive games and experiences

• A new Rebellion Gallery exploring four major periods of social unrest and rebellion in Nottingham, from the medieval period onwards

• Galleries telling the story of Nottingham's most famous industry - lace

A new visitor centre will welcome people to the grounds and will include a cafe

Where is Nottingham Castle's £24m coming from?

• Heritage Lottery Fund - £13m (subject to final approval later this year)

• Nottingham City Council - £5.5m

• Fundraising via Nottingham Castle Trust - £3m

• Regeneration and other public funds - £2.5m

Galleries will explore the history of Nottingham's art and industries, including lacemaking