Half a million in funding has been approved for repairs to Newark Castle.
The 900-year-old monument, which played a key role in several conflicts including the English Civil War, requires work to the walls due to risk of loose stone fall.
The “urgent repairs” to the ancient site are necessary to “preserve its legacy for the future as an iconic emblem of Newark”, the district council warned.
At the authority’s Policy and Finance Committee on February 21, councillors voted to allocate £570,000 for repairs.
The total cost of all the work to be completed in the next 10 years is “in the region of £955,000”.
A recent condition survey on the monument recommended a series of repairs to “prevent the further decay of the highly significant historic fabric and ensure the safety of the public who regularly visit the Castle and grounds”.
The works will commence soon now that funding has officially been approved.
Councillor Roger Jackson (Con) said during the meeting: “The potential of the castle is great, it is something that brings people to Newark.
“I have been very fortunate to go around lots of the rooms that are not open to the public. I think if we got the gatehouse redone and we can open up these other rooms, there could be a strong revenue stream coming in from the castle.
“We have a potential there with Newark castle, its walls and surroundings are probably some of the best in the country.
“It is absolutely full of history and if we marked it right, it could be a revenue stream going forward. Then it could have its own sinking fund for its repairs.”
Councillor David Lloyd, Chair of the Policy and Finance Committee and Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, responded: “It is hopefully becoming that visitor attraction.
“A greater contribution is required annually to cater for this because it is going to occur every 10-15 years.
“Spot on in terms of its ability to attract people to the town. Having hold of the tourist as it were, we can almost definitely better signpost to the Civil War Centre as well.”
But councillor Keith Girling (Con) added that it is important that the people of Newark will still be able to use and enjoy the attraction.
He said: “We’ve got to have an eye on what revenue we can bring in, but we have got to keep a lot of it free for members of the public.
“That was a very strong message from people who live in the town who frequent that castle on a regular basis.”
Councillor Paul Peacock (Lab) added: “The castle is an asset and we need to make sure that we can protect that for the next 50-60 years.
“£570,000 is a lot of money and it would be good if we didn’t have to spend that much.
“As a council sometimes we’re not keen enough to get the best price or value sometimes.”
