September 17, 2013 3.50 pm
This story is over 122 months old
New milestone for Lincoln Castle revamp
A closer look: Work has begun on the refurbishment and restoration of the Georgian and Victorian prison buildings at Lincoln Castle.
'Friends of Lincoln Castle' in period dress with Woodhead Heritage staff and County Councillor Nick Worth at Lincoln Prison. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
The final phase of improvements is now underway at Lincoln Castle.
Work has begun on the refurbishment and restoration of the Georgian and Victorian prison buildings and the construction of an underground vault to display Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest.
The work in the prisons involves the creation of a cinema screen and auditorium to showcase the story of Magna Carta
The historic east-wing staircase will also be reinstated, with improved access to the new exhibition area, new visitor facilities, including a ticket office, gift shop, café and toilets, and improved disabled access.
The improvements will be carried out by Robert Woodhead Ltd, who recently created the new Heritage Skills Centre, the first new building in the castle grounds for 150 years.
The castle will remain open to the public throughout. Work on the project is due to be completed in time to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta in 2015.
Councillor Nick Worth, Executive Member for Heritage, said: “This is a real milestone moment for the project.
“The castle is the only place in the world where Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest can be seen together, and this phase of the improvements will give them the home they deserve.
“This will make the castle an attraction of international importance, bringing in many more visitors from near and far. And that’s good news for the local economy.”
Simon Butler from Woodhead Heritage added: “We are very pleased and excited to have won the fourth and latest project at Lincoln Castle as this type of project is very rare.
“The prison buildings are Grade II listed and will require careful conservation; at the same time, we want to ensure the final buildings offer a world-class visitor experience.”
The project has been estimated at £19.9 million, with £12 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £5 million from the County Council and £1.1 million of European funding.
The remaining £1.6 million will be raised through further fundraising through the Historic Lincoln Trust.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Two years after her five-year-old son died of a suspected food anaphylaxis, a mum from Stamford is using the foundation she set up in her little boy’s name to raise awareness of the dangers around allergies in schools.
It’s December 1, 2021. The Blythe family in Stamford are preparing for another Christmas together. The household consisted of mum and dad Helen and Pete, along with their two young children Benedict, who was 5, and Etta, 2 at the time.
Leaders of upper-tier councils in Lincolnshire are enthusiastically promoting the Greater Lincolnshire devolution deal, claiming that it will bring increased investment and better opportunities across the region.
Lincolnshire County Council, North Lincolnshire Council, and North East Lincolnshire Council have all officially approved the deal, which is estimated to bring an additional £50 million per year to the region. The deal has now progressed to an eight-week consultation phase, inviting feedback from communities across the region.
Whatsapp
