The first pictures have been released of how Nottingham Castle will look after a multi-million pound makeover.
Following several years of planning and consultation, designers have released artist’s impressions of what the new tourist centre may look like after a £24m investment.
The transformation aims to make Nottingham Castle as a world-class visitor destination, celebrating its unique and nationally-significant 1,000 year history with tales of power, protest and rebellion across the centuries.
It also forms a critical part of Nottingham City Council’s plans to develop the city centre.
It is also hoped it will provide what the city has long been missing – a memorable Robin Hood experience.
Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at Nottingham City Council, said: “We’re excited to release details of these proposals which will make visiting Nottingham Castle a richer experience, bringing Nottingham’s history and legends alive, and so broadening the castle’s appeal as a visitor destination of national and international significance.
“This in turn will provide a catalyst for wider regeneration across the city centre, significantly increasing visitor footfall, stimulating the local economy and providing job opportunities for local people.”
New features will include:
- The creation of a stunning Robin Hood Gallery, accessed via the existing tunnel leading from the outer bailey, and one of the biggest changes to the Ducal Palace. Here, visitors will get their own medieval experience.
- A new Rebellion Gallery which will explore four major periods of social unrest and rebellion in Nottingham, from the medieval period onwards.
- The first floor galleries will celebrate the Power of Art and Making in the history of Nottingham. Showcasing the pre-industrial Nottingham art forms of saltglaze stoneware and medieval alabasters, the galleries will evolve to tell the story of Nottingham’s lace industry.
- The Castle’s Long Gallery will play host to the star objects from the museum’s art collection, displaying paintings and 3D objects, alongside contemporary works inspired by the treasures themselves.
- Access to the caves within the Castle Rock will be extended and parts of the Castle grounds will be remodelled to reveal more of the medieval site and to re-establish spectacular views of the Castle across the city.
- A new visitor centre will welcome people to the grounds, encouraging them to enter and explore, and helping to guide them around the site. The centre will include a new café.
