Mayor’s £2.49m investment to bring Newark Castle’s hidden history to life

A £2.498 million investment from the Mayor of the East Midlands will help unlock the next phase of an ambitious project to transform Newark Castle and bring its hidden history back into public view.

The money from the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s (EMCCA’s) Investment Fund will support plans to open up the castle’s historic underground spaces, including its dungeons, which have been closed to the public for eight years.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: “Newark Castle is a much-loved landmark with a story stretching back almost 900 years, so I am making this investment to bring even more of that history to life for visitors from across the region and beyond.

“Unlocking the Castle’s hidden underground spaces will give people the chance to discover a fascinating part of Newark’s past that has been closed to the public for years, while ensuring these important historic spaces are protected for generations to come.

“I’m pleased to be working alongside Newark & Sherwood District Council, Newark Town Board, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other partners to make this ambitious project a reality and unlock the full potential of one of the East Midlands’ most important historic sites.”

Project support

The wider Castle Gatehouse Project is already being supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Government’s Towns Fund and Newark & Sherwood District Council. It will secure the future of the castle, create new exhibition and gallery spaces, restore the former gatehouse entrance, improve accessibility and enhance the surrounding gardens and green spaces.

The additional investment from the Mayor will allow the project to go further, bringing previously inaccessible underground areas back into public use.

Plans for the underground spaces include conservation and restoration work, improved and safe access, and immersive audio-visual experiences to tell the stories of the castle and reveal more of Newark’s history.

Councillor Rowan Cozens, Newark & Sherwood District Council deputy leader and portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the arts, said: “A big thank you to Mayor Claire for this funding that will make Newark Castle an even better and more exciting visitor attraction.

“Those familiar with the site will have already seen lots of busy building work taking place and once complete we’ll have a site that will attract national and international visitors to Newark.

“This project ensures the Castle remains standing strong for many years to come while ensuring that accessibility and biodiversity are at its very heart.  We’ll be able to open new spaces in the Castle to the public and provide exhibitions telling of Newark’s rich medieval history.

“Thank you also to Newark Town Board and The National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from National Lottery players who have made this project a reality, it’s an exciting development not just for Newark but the whole district.”

Newark Castle Gatehouse Project

Newark Castle has stood at the town’s entrance for nearly 900 years, serving as a beloved local landmark and a symbol of the town’s heritage. Recognised by Historic England as the most complete example of its kind, the gatehouse will be at the heart of this ambitious restoration project.

Plans include rebuilt rooms, new gallery spaces with lift access, interactive displays, and a tower-top viewing platform offering stunning views of the Trent Valley.

The project will also protect the listed Victorian gardens and enhance the natural surroundings with a new lighting scheme, creating a safe ‘after dark’ experience and highlighting architectural features. Wildlife will be welcomed too, with bat corridors and roosts included in the design.

Throughout the project’s early development, the plan has evolved to better reflect the community’s hopes for the site, with residents offering feedback to help shape the final designs.

Wildlife-friendly planting, more things to do, more places to sit, and paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters have all been implemented into the project as part of the feedback. The District Council have worked closely with a number of specialists, including archaeologists, ecologists and access consultants.

It is anticipated that, once complete, the Castle will attract more visitors from outside of the district. This growth in visitor numbers will support sustainable economic growth, drawing people into Newark’s vibrant town centre and encouraging increased footfall for its excellent independent retailers, both during the day and into the early evening.