Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
History lovers and visitors to Nottingham Castle are celebrating this week. The Heritage Lottery Fund, one of the UK’s most important heritage funding schemes, allocated a large grant. Standing at an impressive £13.9m, the Nottingham Castle HLF cash boost will go towards major improvements at the castle. It is already a popular attraction, but the improvements will see its outreach expand further. Some areas are in need of repair. However, part of the money will go towards general attraction improvements too. The castle is associated with Robin Hood, a man who most likely did not exist, but is important in English folklore.
About the Nottingham Castle HLF Cash Boost
The 18 month negotiation came to a close in July 2016. Campaigners filed an application shortly afterwards; HLF approved the grant earlier this month. The Nottingham Castle HLF cash boost will go towards:
- New technical design and procuring material ahead of renovations
- New galleries for visitors to understand the importance of Robin Hood to Nottinghamshire
- Restoring the gatehouse
- More galleries about the history of the castle
- Remodelled grounds and gardens
- A new children’s play area
- Renovation of the cottages on site
- Many new jobs, some of which will be for the construction work, but also for permanent employees
However, the Nottingham Castle HLF cash boost accounts for only half of the funding. The total cost of around £30m now seems much closer in light of the grant. Nottingham Castle fundraising has included asking for individual donations. They will also seek local sponsorship from businesses and partners to make the work happen. This is an exciting time and everyone is confident that this can go ahead and be ready on time. The castle recently closed ahead of the massive renovations and is expected to reopen to much fanfare in time for the 2020 season.