A multi-million-pound investment programme to protect Lincoln’s magnificent medieval castle has been given the go ahead.
The council's executive today agreed a £12.4m, four-year plan of essential repairs to preserve the much-loved landmark now, and for future generations.
The first phase of work begins this summer and will prioritise the monument’s internal walls - with emergency structural repairs to the stonework of the Observatory Tower, Lucy Tower and the East Wall.
Future phases will see a survey and associated repairs carried out to the external walls, as well as maintenance to more of the impressive buildings in the castle grounds, including the Bath House, Cobb Hall, and Gatehouse Lodge.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive councillor for culture at Lincolnshire County Council, said:
“As one of the county’s most treasured landmarks, Lincoln Castle has protected our city for almost 1,000 years. Now it needs our protection.
"This long-term maintenance programme – worth more than £12m over the next four years – will ensure the walls receive the proper care and attention they deserve.
“This is a substantial investment and one that will ensure visitors can continue to experience the castle’s incredible history, protecting and preserving one of the jewels in Lincolnshire’s crown, now, and for generations to come.”
The castle plays an important role in Lincolnshire’s economy. Last year alone, the monument brought in £11m to the county, with people visiting from around the world to see one of only four original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta and enjoy sell-out events.
The works have been carefully planned to accommodate the castle’s popular events programme, which includes family favourites like The Festival of History and Medieval Joust.
This summer the historic venue will host 12 more nights of unforgettable live music, as TK Maxx presents: Live at Lincoln Castle returns.
Tickets for extra-special performances from punk legends Bowling For Soup and Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls, BRIT Award-winners McFly, pop star Rick Astley, synth-pop legends Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, Scottish chart-toppers Deacon Blue, Britpop mastermind Alex James’ Britpop Classical, musical trailblazer Paul Weller, pop favourites Madness, multi-platinum selling hitmaker Tom Grennan, global music icon Billy Ocean, dance music pioneer Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, and legendary singer-songwriter David Gray are running low, with many performances already sold out.
To find out more about Lincoln Castle and to plan your visit, head to: www.lincolncastle.com.
Pictured left to right: Jennie Clarke, Senior Project Manager, Cllr Natalie Oliver, Executive Councillor for Culture, and Kimberley Vickers, Culture Service Manager, studying plans on the castle walls.