Kentish Express Ashford & District
Council’s 30-year plan for castle restoration
Work to renovate a castle now owned by a council will take 30 years.
The revelation came following a free public open day at Westenhanger Castle last month, which was attended by 400 visitors.
Guests were able to explore the ancient building, which is fitted with suits of armour and grand fireplaces, and its grounds, which were previously used for hunting by King Henry VII.
The day was hosted by new owners Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), which purchased the castle in the summer for £2.9m, plus further costs for legal bills and tax, in a bid to make it the centrepiece attraction for the proposed Otterpool Park garden town.
The 10,000-home development, which will also include new schools and open spaces on the former Folkestone Racecourse just outside Sellindge, has yet to be given planning permission, although a £100m loan to kickstart it has been given the go-ahead.
FHDC’s plans for the castle - now used as a wedding venue - include flooding the currently dry moat, restoring the barns and creating a public park in the 14 acres of surrounding land.
But now it has revealed that this work could take three decades in total - the same estimated length of time to create Otterpool.
A FHDC spokesman said: “The open day recently held at Westenhanger Castle was a great success.
“Hundreds of people attended, with many residents taking the opportunity to visit this fantastic community asset for the very first time and showing their overwhelming support.
“People had a genuine interest in the history of the castle and its grounds, while also asking questions about its bright future.
“We received incredibly positive feedback.
“We are currently working on a 30-year plan which focuses on its maintenance in the short term, and longer term restoration work on the buildings and grounds.
“Further open days will be held in the future.”
The purchase of the castle was previously described as a “slap in the face for residents” by opposition councillors at FHDC who suggested the money could have been spent better elsewhere.