Prison museum plans drawn up for Lancaster Castle

A BOUTIQUE hotel and a penal history museum are among the ideas proposed for Lancaster Castle.

Its owner, the Duchy of Lancaster, has hired London-based heritage consultancy Malcolm Reading to draw up plans for the site that will ensure its future.

The proposals, which also include a “mixed-use urban quarter” as well as arts and performance space, will go on public display at the castle from October 29 to November 2.

Paul Clarke, chief executive at the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “We still have a long way to go in terms of finalising the plans to ensure that the vision is financially viable and deliverable, but this initial proposal is a major step forward.

“We are confident that our ideas would enable Lancaster Castle to become a powerful new tourist attraction that would significantly boost the local economy, create jobs and transform the use of the city centre for residents and visitors.

“We hope that local people will take the opportunity to visit the exhibition next month to learn more about the plans and provide their feedback.”

The museum would focus on the past 1,000 years of Britain’s penal history and use the existing prison buildings. The plans suggest a four-star hotel with 50-75 rooms and conference space.