Nottingham City Council has submitted its bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for just under £13million funding for the project to transform Nottingham Castle into a world class heritage attraction.
The ambitious plans for Nottingham Castle would see new and improved facilities, including a state of the art immersive Rebellion Gallery focusing on the central role that the Castle has played in the history of Nottingham as well as the British Isles, as well as improved access to the many treasures that reflect Nottingham’s long, rich and vibrant heritage and its international impact.
The project would also create a new Visitor Centre to welcome visitors to the Castle, including a café and shop, and visitors would be wowed by a new glass lift that will transport them from Brewhouse Yard, through the Castle Rock up to the Castle. A new medieval village will also bring to life the Castle almost a thousand years ago, with fun activities for all the family including archery.
Robin Hood will also play a key part in the new attraction, as narrator of the brand new Rebellion Gallery.
Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Councillor David Trimble said:
“We’re really pleased with the extensive work done to refine our bid over the past few months. The bid will be supplemented by a visit from representatives from the HLF Trustees and officers in spring 2014 to see the site and hear about our ambitions for the project. We hope that everyone will help to make their visit a success and show that the people of Nottingham are behind the bid.”
Ted Cantle, head of the Castle Working Group, which has lobbied for improvements to the Castle said:
“The Castle project is not just about preserving the past, but also looking to the future and how best we can encourage people to visit this fantastic tourist attraction in the heart of our city. We know that the transformation of the Castle would have a hugely positive impact on the City economically, as well as improving the look and feel of the Castle Quarter.”
The Trustees will visit all the projects which have made an application before meeting to assess them in April 2014. If successful at this stage, there will be an 18 month project development period to put finishing touches to the development of the plans.
For more information, contact Kerry Edwards on 0115 8763 350.
