‘Embarrassing’ castle wins show’s restoration crown
CARDIGAN Castle has fought off competition from across the whole of the UK to scoop the top prize on Channel 4’s Great British Buildings: Restoration of the Year.
The castle won the Georgian category in the first episode of the series last month, and won the overall crown for Restoration of the Year when the finale was screened on national television on Thursday night.
Judges from the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors described the castle project as “brilliantly done”, while historic building expert Marianne Suhr said the work carried out represented a “very simple but perfect restoration.”
The castle – which opened two years ago following a decade long campaign by Cadwgan Trust – won against such formidable opposition as Mount Stewart in Ireland, Lews Castle in Scotland and Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace.
Series host Kevin McCloud, who had called the site a “shored up relic” and a “source of local embarrassment” having seen it before its restoration, was amazed at the transformation seen at the castle and said that it was now a site of “immaculate appearance.”
The castle itself dates back to the 11th century and was bought by Ceredigion council in 2003.
The regeneration project was commissioned by the Cadwgan Trust, who raised the £12m needed to restore the landmark.
Work finally began in 2011 and the castle was officially opened in 2015 as a heritage attraction, a restaurant and an accommodation and events venue.
Cardigan mayor Clive Davies was ecstatic with the result and hopes it will help draw a new generation of tourists to the west Wales attraction.
“This is fantastic news – this accolade really takes our castle to a new level of exposure and will no doubt make Cardigan and its castle a destination this summer and in future years,” he said.
“It’s great for our shops and great for our local economy. Well done to everyone involved!”
Lead architect Niall Phillips, who has been involved with the project since 2005, said: “Who would have thought a small charity with not a penny in the bank could rescue an utterly derelict castle and bring it back into a vibrant sustainable new use, now perhaps more important for Cardigan than it has been at any period in its history?”
Castle facilities officer Sue Lewis has revealed that she knew about the result for some time, but had to walk around the small Ceredigion town with a suppressed smile after being sworn to secrecy once filming with presenters Kevin McCloud and Dr Anna Keay had taken place earlier this year.
“I am so relieved it has finally been made public,” said Sue.
“I have been going around with a huge internal grin for weeks. When we were told the castle had won I was literally struck dumb.
“My overwhelming feeling was one of justification and delight for all the hard work put in over the last 15 years. Cadwgan Trust and the castle have done Cardigan and Wales proud.
“When I watched the programme I couldn’t believe the opposition we were up against. If I hadn’t known we were the winners I would have been very worried indeed!”
The final episode of Great British Buildings: Restoration of the Year will be available on Channel 4’s catch-up service, All 4 .