Key moment in £30m castle revamp as next phase begins
CONTRACTORS LEAVE AFTER 2 YEARS ON SITE
WTHE next phase of the £30 million transformation at Nottingham Castle is under way as work is handed over from contractors.
It means Nottingham Castle is edging steadily closer to its vision of becoming a world-class visitor destination by early next year.
The improved destination is expected to attract more than 400,000 visitors a year, and celebrate the last 1,000 years of Nottingham’s heritage.
Project lead and regional contractor GF Tomlinson has been on site since the landmark closed in summer 2018 and have now handed over the site for the next phase.
Fifteen km of scaffolding and a temporary roof was required to safely carry out the restoration works of the Grade 1 Ducal Palace, to allow for stone and lime plasterwork, as well as the extensive roof refurbishment.
The venue will eventually house the new Robin Hood and Rebellion galleries, telling stories of the city’s legendary outlaw.
Work on these interior elements has been ramping up, including the testing of virtual archery as part of the new planned interactive experience.
In the latest updates from the castle, user testing for the Robin Hood gallery interactive games by developer Preloaded have taken place.
Over a two-day period, volunteers came to try their hand at virtual archery and quarterstaff challenges and provided detailed feedback on their experience.
Exhibition fit out contractor Beck Interiors Ltd also continue to make progress with written and visual installations around the grounds, telling visitors what they would have seen in those spots in centuries past.
Elsewhere in the grounds of the Castle, the new contemporary visitor centre with ticket office and cafe is complete and improved access and lighting has been added to the caves within the castle rock.
Thoughts have turned to the surrounding area also.
Regarding access and transport, a public consultation is due to start including the whereabouts of coach pick-up and drop-off points and the management of the castle land train.
The changes being proposed are to support the expected increase of visitor flow and accessibility while taking into account the impact on local residents and businesses.
There will be an online survey and an opportunity to request paper copies also.
You can have your say until October 29 by visiting: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/engage-nottingham-hub
Nottingham Castle is set to open to the public in early 2021, once all internal fit-out works and landscaping of the grounds – including a new play area – are complete.
But now, the changes signify the end of GF Tomlinson’s chapter, which has provided 27,000 hours of employment, training and social value initiatives for local people.
Chris Flint, director and general manager for GF Tomlinson, said: “After two years, we are incredibly proud and honoured to be handing over this project, which has been a big part of our lives.
“I’d like to thank the entire project team, which includes the core GF Tomlinson team and our supply chain of specialist contractors.
“Despite the challenges that 2020 has presented with the Covid-19 pandemic, the project team has shown ambition and adaptability, quickly adhering to the Government health and safety procedures implemented onsite.
“This is a flagship project for any contractor, particularly a regional SME like ourselves, and we are pleased that it will be a part of our legacy for many years to come.”
City council portfolio holder for leisure and culture Councillor Dave Trimble said: “The completion of this part of the castle works on such a historic site and despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and periods of adverse weather is a big achievement.
“I’d like to thank GF Tomlinson for its commitment and dedication. The impact of these works will have a lasting impression on the city, bolstering tourism with the restoration of fascinating buildings which lie on an iconic cave network and the construction of the new visitor centre.”