Home   News   Article

Subscribe Now

Newark Castle set to be re-imagined as planning application is submitted




Landmark plans to restore Newark Castle, including creating a Gatehouse bridge entrance, have taken a monumental step forward.

An application for planning permission has been submitted which, if approved, will allow work to continue on the castle gatehouse project.

Securing planning permission is also an important step towards finalising the project’s business case to central government to release the £2.6m Towns Fund grant allocation for the project.

Newark Castle plans.
Newark Castle plans.

Plans to transform the gatehouse into an immersive visitor centre have been an ongoing project with almost a decade of work.

It is hoped visitors will enjoy a restored gatehouse filled with an interpretation about the 900-year story of a much-loved landmark.

Plans include a new entrance on Beastmarket Hill, an entry pavilion, visitor reception in the grounds and, a separate facility under a gatehouse bridge, which will host educational outreach activities and events and act as a community hub.

The gatehouse project is part of a series of aspirational projects designed to regenerate the town, overseen by Newark Towns Fund Board. In March 2021, the board, comprising of a range of public and private businesses and individuals, was successful in its bid for £25m from the government’s Towns Fund.

Newark Castle plans.
Newark Castle plans.
Newark Castle plans.
Newark Castle plans.

David Lloyd, council leader and co-chairman of Newark Towns Fund Board, said: “Newark is synonymous with its castle; it’s important to both the district council and Newark Towns Fund Board that we work collaboratively to restore and enhance what is arguably one of the town’s most beautiful and well known treasures.

“This project is an opportunity to make sure Newark Castle can be enjoyed for many more generations to come as well as boosting both our visitor numbers and our pride in the area we call home.

“So many district council officers have worked on this project over the years and I’m delighted that we seem to be edging towards the fruition of our dreams for it.”

Proposed work on the fabric of the building will involve making essential stonework repairs and adding a roof and windows to the gatehouse.

A moat bridge entrance will create a new and more prominent means of access directly into the castle site and with new publicly-accessible spaces in the northwest and gatehouse towers, the castle would become a venue for interactive displays, exhibitions and events.

Mr Lloyd said: “The castle team are already brimming with excitement for the potential this project brings, from allowing greater engagement with schools to community events and more.

“Most importantly, it will allow more people to uncover the true story of this amazing building whether they’re local residents who pass it every day without understanding its significance or visitors from across the country and even further afield, who’ll be able to spread its tales far and wide.”

The project is the result of many years of consultation and research to find ways in which the attraction could be better conserved, sympathetically restored and managed for the people of Newark.

The castle grounds will continue to remain free to access even after the work has been completed.

“As a transformed, highly-visible gateway to our town and visitor attraction, the castle project has the potential to bring significant numbers of new visitors to the town and will substantially enhance the town centre for the benefit of businesses, visitors and residents alike,” said Mr Lloyd.

“The castle gatehouse project will be a specialist undertaking of high quality that embodies sustainable regeneration and makes the most of the skills and commitment of local people and organisations working in partnership. It will be an immense source of pride for the town to know that a building held in such high regard is being caringly restored and given new life.”

The final project is subject to grant allocation from the Heritage Lottery Fund.



Comments | 0
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More