Nottingham Castle secures £13.9m investment
Nottingham City Council has received a grant of £13.9m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) towards the Nottingham Castle Transformation Project.
A team has worked on the proposals for the last 18 months – with detailed plans and designs submitted in July 2016 to HLF. The approval of the proposals enables progression to the next stage, technical design and procurement before starting work on site. The cost of the scheme is £29.4m.
The centrepiece of the scheme will be the creation of new galleries dedicated to Robin Hood and the story of rebellion in the city. Further works include restoration to the gatehouse and Palace galleries, remodelling of the landscape and grounds including an adventure play area, a new visitor centre and an improved experience of the caves and of Brewhouse Yard Cottages which are situated at the foot of the Castle rock.
Cllr Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture said: “We’re delighted with this news and very grateful that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given the scheme their vote of confidence. Securing this funding means we can push on with the next phase of the scheme. We look forward to delivering this major project which is so significant for our City, for tourism, and our economy and is a source of pride for the people of Nottingham.”
Ted Cantle, chair of Nottingham Castle Trust said “This is great news for the project and Nottingham. It will help the Trust with fundraising for the project. We have successfully raised almost 50% of our £3m target and we will now approach a mixture of trusts and foundations, individuals and national and local companies to complete our task with the confidence that the HLF approval gives us.”
Jonathan Platt, head of HLF East Midlands said: “Nottingham Castle will forever be linked in our imaginations to the outlaw Robin Hood and his Merry Men. There are, however, many other wonderful stories that are part of its history, including political rebellion, riots and intrigue. With the help of National Lottery players, this extraordinary historic building will once more become a focal point for Nottingham.”
