47 jobs lost as liquidators step in at stricken Castle Trust

Some 47 staff at the stricken operator of Nottingham Castle have lost their jobs after liquidators were officially appointed yesterday (November 28).

Tim Bateson and Chris Pole from Interpath Advisory now have the task of winding the Nottingham Castle Trust up.

The Trust is an independent not-for-profit charitable trust which managed and operated Nottingham Castle on behalf of Nottingham City Council.

However, it has been beset by problems since a £30m revamp saw the Castle re-open three months late in June 2021. The Castle closed its gates to the public on November 20.

Interpath have also been appointed joint liquidators to Nottingham Castle Services, the 100% subsidiary of the Trust which undertook all non-charitable activities including retail and catering operations.

The majority of the employees of the Trust were made redundant in advance of the appointment of the liquidators, and all remaining staff have been made redundant with effect from today (November 30).

Bateson said: “Dating back to the time of William the Conqueror, Nottingham Castle has been at the heart of the city for centuries, bearing witness to civil wars, royal coups, fires and floods. As a modern-day museum, it has helped to preserve the cultural heritage of Nottingham, hosting tours, exhibitions and supporting local schools and community projects.

“Immediately following our appointment over the Trust, we disclaimed the various leases and operating agreements back to Nottingham City Council. Whilst the Castle is now back under the control of the Council, we will be working proactively with them over the coming weeks to ensure that there is a smooth handover to give them the best possible chance of being able to reopen the Castle at the appropriate time.

“We will also be providing support and assistance to the employees to enable them to claim any outstanding statutory entitlements which they are due, as well as working to realise the remaining assets.”