By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
It is hoped a plan to renovate Newark Castle’s gatehouse will increase visitor numbers by more than 20,000 a year.
The scheme is part of a number of big changes at the landmark, which dates back to the 11th Century and has played a key role in several conflicts including the English Civil War.
The £4.75m project aims to restore the gatehouse and build a visitor reception, a facility to host events and a new entrance to the caste on Beastmarket Hill.
The castle currently has around 3,000 visits a year, but the intent is to reach 24,000 a year once the project is complete.
Newark and Sherwood District Council papers show the funding is coming from a successful Towns Fund grant and the council’s own financial contributions.
The authority has also applied for money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
Last month, the authority also approved £570,000 for “urgent repairs” to the castle.
The redevelopment project is geared towards driving town centre footfall, increase engagement with heritage and increasing the castle’s long-term financial sustainability.
Council documents ahead of the Policy and Finance Committee on March 17, state: “The Castle Gatehouse project seeks to increase the accessibility of culture and heritage in Newark and proposes the creation of additional educational and interpretation facilities at a well-loved heritage site.”
Conservative councillor Roger Jackson said: “This is an exciting project. People think of Nottinghamshire as Robin Hood and castles.
“This is probably the best castle we’ve got in the county. It is something we need to push as a destination for tourism in the town.
“A lot of the castle is not accessible at the moment and this will open it all up and make it into a better visitor attraction. There is a story to say there and it is very much worth spending this money on.
“It’s not just Newark, we can signpost to Sherwood Forest and Nottingham as well. It’s the greater picture we have to look at.”
