Castle restoration project set for extra funding

More money is set to be diverted to restoration works at a 12th Century castle after a series of historical discoveries led to delays.

Newark and Sherwood District Council has announced funding is being reallocated from Market Place upgrades to the Newark Castle Gatehouse Project which began in July 2025.

The authority said the discoveries, including a medieval cesspit and a well within the Gatehouse entrance, provided "valuable new insights" but meant the project had been "affected by rising inflation and increased construction costs".

Rowan Cozens, deputy leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the restoration still "represents really good value".

The infamous King John died at the castle in 1216, but a large part of the structure was demolished after a protracted siege in 1646.

The original gatehouse is being reroofed and opened up to restore access to parts of the surviving walls and improve accessibility.

Cozens said it was "one of the most complete gatehouses in the UK".

"This is a fantastic piece of local history,", she said. "We knew quite a while back that doing nothing was not an option because the damage that was being done to the structure was significant.

"There's hasn't been a roof, so we've had a big problem with pigeons.

"Without a roof these internal walls were getting damaged."

Medieval rooms will also be rebuilt, and gallery spaces and a tower-top viewing platform are being created.

Access to the formal Victorian gardens that fill the former interior of the building is also being improved.

Cozens said: "This represents really good value in terms of what it's going to bring to the visitor economy, in terms of what it's done for local residents and their pride about the town they live in.

"This is iconic to anybody who lives in Newark."

More than £8m has been allocated to the project so far from sources including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Towns Fund.

Now additional money could be diverted to the project from the Government's Local Regeneration Fund.

Newark Town Board said its initial plans to make the Market Place into a more flexible space, capable of hosting events, markets and al fresco dining, with extra seating and greenery, "could not be delivered in full, within the available budget".

A revised plan has been drawn up which will include improved power supplies for markets and events, lighting and CCTV upgrades, pavement works and new stalls, with an undisclosed amount set to be moved to the castle scheme.

"While substantial progress has already been made, the project cannot simply be left in an unfinished condition," the district council said.

"Works have exposed and revealed parts of the historic structure that now require completion and protection.

"The additional investment secured is therefore required to complete the programme, safeguard the funding already invested in the site and ensure the Castle project can fully deliver the educational, cultural and economic benefits it was designed to achieve."

The funding allocation will be considered by Newark and Sherwood District Council's Cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday.

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