Experts needed to help Shrewsbury Castle boost visitor numbers

Funding of £30,000 has been secured from the government for the Shrewsbury Castle project

Heritage experts are being invited to help a castle become a leading tourist attraction in Shropshire.

The county council wants consultants to consider plans to increase visitor numbers at Shrewsbury Castle.

A grant of £30,000 has been secured from the government's Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, specifically for the project.

Shropshire Council also wants to find more "creative uses" for the Grade I-listed site, including its grounds.

Local residents, businesses and partners will also be consulted as the project progresses.

'Custodians of castle'

Robert Macey, cabinet member for culture and digital, said the castle was a "huge asset" and needed to be "safeguarded for the future."

"As custodians of Shrewsbury Castle we have a duty to do our best by its heritage and to ensure it remains relevant to visitors in the future," he explained.

"We want to open the site up, make it more accessible to people and to offer engaging and educational exhibitions and events while being respectful of its heritage status."

The full brief on the study can be viewed on the council's website.