Newark Castle is set to become a new and improved visitor attraction.
Newark and Sherwood District Council voted the plans through at a meeting this afternoon.
There were concerns about the loss of trees in the plans, which have been amended slightly, and some concern about whether an ancient monument should have any modernisation work carried out on it at all.
However, the committee gained agreement that for the visitor economy the improvements did support education, accessibility and would improve the experience and keep people coming to the town. It is hoped that visitor numbers could increase by 20,000 each year.
The Heritage Fund previously awarded a development stage grant in March 2022, adding to £3million of funding from Newark’s Towns Fund deal and a capital contribution.
The exciting project will see the original Romanesque Gatehouse, named by Historic England as the most complete example of such a structure in England, reinstated as the spectacular entrance to the Castle.
This will lead to five gallery spaces which follow the Castle’s story through time and bring its Medieval history to life through fascinating, fun and interactive interpretation including models, real and replica tactile objects and furniture, embroideries, trails and play, designed by Nissen Richards Studio.
There will also be a tower-top viewing platform from which visitors can overlook the town and the Castle’s newly enhanced gardens.
These have been a focus of the project which also aims to enhance and protect the natural environment and green space within this historic site, establishing more biodiversity and enhancing accessibility through landscape development.
Expert ecologists have been consulted to create a planting scheme which is more wildlife friendly, creating habitats and feeding places for insects, bees and birds, and incorporating bat and moth friendly lighting and bat roosts. There will also be plenty of opportunities for local volunteer gardeners and groups like Flower Pod to get involved.
The gardens were developed in the Victorian era with a commitment to provide a public space for everyone to enjoy. However, this did not account for modern accessibility and the plans will see routes updated for wheelchair users, people with low mobility and those with prams or pushchairs to be able to enjoy them equally as well as increased benches and seating.
Councillor Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It was important to us that local people were consulted during this process and we have listened, ensuring that HE Milner’s beloved flowerbed remains and that wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility are able to enjoy the full extent of the gardens.”
“This of course means that changes must be made but our landscape architect at Urban Edge Architecture has worked very hard to create new paths which comply to accessibility legislation and which disturb as few trees as possible. I’m delighted that this work will also see an increase in the biodiversity of this important green space as well as driving visitor numbers to boost our local economy and, hopefully, bolstering our residents’ pride in this very special local asset.”
It’s anticipated that, once works are completed, the Castle will attract almost 17,000 visitors from outside of the district, helping to deliver sustainable economic growth as a destination attraction. It is proposed that entry to the galleries will be half price for Newark and Sherwood residents, at just £4 for adults with free entry for children and the chance to return for free as many times as desired within a 12 month period. Access to the grounds will remain free for all.
The development incorporates a new facility beneath the gatehouse bridge which will be used for both learning visits and for community groups and outreach, providing an extra space in the centre of town for residents to come together.
The town’s early evening economy will be supported too with plans to improve the lighting in the grounds to enable a safe ‘after dark’ experience.
Designs, which remain conceptual and are subject to further development, have been released to give residents an idea of what to expect from this transformative project.
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