NOW OPEN: areas of Caernarfon Castle that have not been accessed for centuries — thanks to £5m investment
Following three years of work, the enhancement project at the main gateway into the castle is complete. |
Cadw has today (27 April) announced the completion of a three-year conservation and development project at Caernarfon Castle’s principal gatehouse — providing access to areas of the castle not seen close-up for centuries. This major £5 million investment has seen a rooftop deck installation and new flooring in the gatehouse towers. It also includes the installation of a lift that allows access for all to the upper levels, which we believe is a first for any similar UK World Heritage site. The project will ensure that the castle is welcoming and accessible and continues to make a valuable contribution to the economy of the surrounding area. A new catering offer, educational and retail spaces, and accessible visitor facilities have also been included in the works, including a Changing Places facility. The scheme is supported by the Welsh Government and by £1.04 million from the European Regional Development Fund through the Tourism Attractor Destination Programme, that is managed by Visit Wales. Central to the enhancement project is new artistic interpretation, focusing on the theme: ‘the hands that built the castle’. This modern approach to interpretation aims to present the story of the castle from a different perspective, encouraging visitors to re-think how they perceive the site’s history. The delivery of the project, has been supported by Buttress Architects and Grosvenor Construction, who have re-installed the floor levels of the gatehouse towers; built new steps from the first floor to the new rooftop deck; and installed a lightweight glazed glass lift to provide step-free access to the rooftop. Following such extensive development, Cadw is now encouraging visitors of all ages and abilities to witness the outstanding views from the upper embattlements on the rooftop deck, previously unseen for centuries. Dawn Bowden MS, Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, said:
Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said:
Visit Caernarfon Castle for more information and to book a visit. |