Historic Lincoln
What is Lincoln Castle Revealed?
Lincoln Castle Revealed will bring this historic site to life like never before.
- A new vault will be created to showcase Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest, complete with a cinema space.
- Both prison buildings will be refurbished with the previously-closed Victorian male prison being opened to the public for the first time in many years.
- The castle walls will be repaired with a complete wall walk circuit created for the first time, with disabled access.
- This will be complemented by a new cafe, shop, toilets and education space, with disabled access will be improved across the site.
- On completion, access into the grounds through the East and West Gates becomes free during daylight hours.
What are the economic benefits of the project?
An independent assessment concluded that the project could lead to a 29-55% increase in the overall value of tourism to Lincoln. This translates to a £36-68m boost for the tourism economy and around 600-1,100 new jobs. As many visitors to Lincoln stay in rural Lincolnshire, we would expect these economic benefits to be felt across the county.
What are the benefits of free access?
During daylight hours the castle grounds will become almost like a small park at the heart of Lincoln’s historic centre. We believe this will change the way that pedestrians move about in the area, bringing increased footfall to neighbouring businesses. ‘Park Rangers’ will be on hand to help visitors to get the most from their visit and discourage any antisocial behaviour.
What are the benefits of increased visitor numbers?
Increased visitor numbers will lead to increased income. Our aim is to continually re-invest in the castle to keep this historic landmark in good order for future generations. However, good traffic and pedestrian movement is important to the success of the project. The first in a series of workshops was held on this subject in early March, led by the city council with highways, local businesses and heritage attractions in attendance.
What is the time line for the project?
Our aim is that Lincoln Castle Revealed will be completed by the time of Magna Carta’s 800th anniversary in 2015.
In order to repair damage caused by the winters of 09/10 and 10/11, repairs have already begun on the South Curtain wall.
In addition, construction is underway on a new Heritage Skills Centre, thanks to European and regional funding. This is due for completion September 2012.
Other key dates are as follows:
- April - December 2012: Design team to start preparing RIBA stage E cost-plan and RIBA Stage F & G production information
- April - October 2012: Completion of the South Curtain wall circuit and repairs to the Observatory Tower
- December 2012: Contractor appointed
- December 2012 - December 2014: After the Christmas Market 2012, the whole castle prison complex will close and work will begin on its refurbishment, interpretation. Meanwhile, construction will start on the new Magna Carta Pavilion
- February 2013 – end 2014: Refurbishment of the East, West and North curtain walls
- January-March 2015: Soft opening
- w/c 21 April 2015: Official opening
What is the cost of the project?
The project has been estimated at £19.9m. We have received £12m from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lincolnshire County Council has contributed £5.2m and a £1.1m request has been made for European funding. The remaining £1.6m will be raised through further fundraising and a charity called the Historic Lincoln Trust has been formed to do this.
Who has been involved in the project to date?
Many people have been involved in developing this project over the past 10 years. Cllr Eddy Poll, Deputy Leader of Lincolnshire County Council has been the project champion since 2005 and Tourism Development Manager Mary Powell has been the programme manager and responsible for the bid submission. They have been supported by members of the county council’s highways, property, archaeology, museums and archives teams.
The formation of the Historic Lincoln Partnership in 2004 brought together key stakeholders. Particularly notable has been the support of the Dean, the Very Reverend Philip Buckler and Dr Anthony Streeten from English Heritage.
Conservation architects Arrol and Snell were appointed in 2009 and Andrew Arrol has led the design team, which includes engineers (structural, mechanical and electrical) and archaeologists. The quantity surveyors are William G Dick Partnership. The Interpretation has been led by Ralph Applebaum Associates. All are specialists in historic buildings.
