Castle closes down... after £30m revamp

ONLY a year after it reopened following a £30million revamp, Nottingham Castle yesterday announced it was closing down.

The council-appointed trust that runs the site blamed dwindling visitor numbers for the shock decision to go into liquidation. It has also been hit by a string of bad reviews, a race row, claims of a toxic work environment and the resignation of its chief executive.

Trustees wanted to draw 400,000 tourists a year after a three-year revamp backed by £13million in lottery cash and other funds.

The Renaissance-style complex reopened last summer but just 100,000 visited in the first six months. Many criticised the high ticket prices – £15 for adults and £9.50 for children. In a statement the trust said: ‘This is a heartbreaking day for trustees, our staff, visitors, and the city.’

The site will pass back to the city council which said it hoped to reopen it as soon as possible. A Christmas market has been cancelled.