By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A visit to the redeveloped Newark Castle is set to cost adults £8 a ticket, council documents show.
The major plans for the castle include the restoration of the Romanesque gatehouse, five gallery spaces, a tower-top viewing platform and enhanced castle gardens.
The scheme is part of a number of big changes at the landmark, which dates back to the 11th Century.
Newark and Sherwood District Council said the full project cost is now expected to be more than £5.39m.
The authority is set to ‘approve the preferred charging model’ at its cabinet meeting on October 31.
Under the plans, an adult ticket would be £8 with free returns within 12 months. Children would also go free.
Newark and Sherwood District residents would get a 50 per cent discount on tickets, making the entry charge £4.
The council says a “vital part of the new offer” will be substantial free-to-access activities, including the gardens, the ground floor exhibition space in the North-West Tower, and a programme of community events.
The remainder of the offer including the 1st floor North-West Tower and Gatehouse Tower will be ticketed.
It is hoped the plan to renovate Newark Castle’s gatehouse will attract 25,500 visitors a year. The castle currently has around 3,000 visits a year.
Funding for the project is from a successful Towns Fund grant, the council’s own financial contributions and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The redevelopment project is geared towards driving town centre footfall and increasing engagement with Newark’s heritage.
The plans will also promote the historic gardens as a “safe and welcoming biodiverse green space” using lighting to enhance the existing architectural features.
Council documents state: “The Gatehouse Project is significant in the
redevelopment of the town’s visitor offer as a key driver for the visitor economy, and further offers residents improved access to their heritage and to the gardens, supporting improved wellbeing and health and offering numerous opportunities to participate in cultural activity.
“The proposed charging model reflects the best option for the economic
sustainability of the project whilst providing residents with this significantly improved offer.”
