Newark Castle: Lottery grant boost for council's castle revamp project

The council previously said designs for the gardens were not finalised but reflected their thinking

A project to revamp a Nottinghamshire castle attraction will go ahead after a council was granted £1.4 million of funding.

Newark Castle currently hosts a park and garden inside its largely demolished interior.

The council's plans to reopen its gatehouse with an accessible ramp, galleries, and viewing areas were given the go-ahead in January.

The authority said it received the lottery fund grant on Monday.

Work on the castle, which is situated next to the River Trent, is set to begin later this year and is expected to take about two years.

The castle's history dates back to the 12th Century

Under the plans, the new ramp will allow visitors to enter through the gatehouse in Beastmarket Hill, while a "meadow" area will be created to encourage biodiversity.

Newark and Sherwood District Council said it anticipates that the visitor experience would attract about 17,000 visitors from outside of the district each year.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, deputy council leader and portfolio holder for heritage, culture, and the arts, said: "This is absolutely wonderful news for the town and is the final piece of the puzzle we've been waiting for to kick-start this fantastic project.

"This project ensures accessibility and biodiversity remains at its very heart while providing a beautiful green space for our residents as well as our visitors.

"It is hoped that increased visitors to the site will be a huge boost to our local economy too, with local businesses having access to more people who can spend in their stores."

Newark Castle survived three sieges during the English Civil War but was partly demolished on the orders of Oliver Cromwell.

The project, which will cost £5.4m in total, will be funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and a £3m investment from the government's Towns Fund initiative.

The council said more than than 600 visitors and non-visitors were consulted to help shape the development.

Visitors living in the district will pay half-price entry to the exhibition, and will be able to return for free over the next 12 months, the council said.

Access to the grounds will remain free for all.

Councillor Cozens added: "The district council is planning to use the grounds for a range of activities and events for all the community, and entry to the galleries itself will be reduced for Newark and Sherwood residents.

"I'm incredibly excited about the future for Newark Castle and am waiting with eagerness for the next stage in its journey."