Castle Gatehouse Plans March Forward

The drawbridge has opened another few notches for Newark Castle’s Gatehouse development this week. The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded a grant of £196,719, enabling plans for the visitor attraction and community hub to be further developed.

This Stage 1 funding will allow the Heritage and Culture team at Newark and Sherwood District Council to work with specialist consultants, and closely with the Heritage Fund, to refine the project. Once the plans are complete, a Stage 2 application can then be made for the potential delivery grant of £1,188,394, match funding the allocation from the Towns Fund, with a final decision in late 2023.

The Council’s vision for the Gatehouse will offer an iconic, flagship destination attraction at the gateway to the town, highlighting Newark’s rich and dynamic history and providing a unique backdrop for events. One of the Heritage Fund’s aims is to involve a wider range of people in heritage, and at the forefront of the Gatehouse development is the ambition to boost awareness and appreciation of the town’s history among all local people as well as making sure the attraction is accessible.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “It’s important to me that the benefits of this project are felt not only by visitors but, more importantly, by our residents. As well as being a great place to explore and be proud of, increasing footfall to the town and boosting local business and our economy, the development will also deliver a flexible space for inspirational education services and a community hub for outreach and engagement, welcoming residents of all ages.”

Residents’ wellbeing is also at the heart of the project, with plans to improve the Castle’s Gardens through refreshed landscaping, interpretation and innovative lighting. This will create a safe and welcoming green space and elevate the ‘after dark’ experience, with extended access times supporting the early evening economy and the grounds remaining free to visit.

Scheduled Monument Consent has now been granted for the £5.4m Gatehouse project, part funded by a Towns Fund successful bid submission, a £1m contribution from the District Council and the hoped-for £1.4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. If all funding bids are successful, work will begin in December 2023