Council to continue Boston Castle work

Members of Rotherham Borough Council have agreed that it will continue its efforts to renovate and restore Boston Castle - the listed Grade II former shooting lodge that was due to undergo a £1.7 million restoration project in the next few months.

A revised scheme is now being planned that will still protect the building, which stands in the grounds of Boston Park overlooking the River Rother, while at the same time making significant savings for the authority at a time when it has to review all its spending.

The alternative approach will focus on the castle building itself and will still provide public access and learning opportunities.

The public will be able to go inside the castle, learn about its history and enjoy the views from the top of the building that was built by the Earl of Effingham in 1775. However, the revised scheme will not see the planned extension to the building. 

Discussions with the Heritage Lottery Fund, which is a major funder of the project, have confirmed that a revised scheme is something that their committee would consider.

The new scheme will be submitted for the HLF's consideration early next year (2011) in line with their application process.  

Cllr Iain St. John, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Sport, said the new approach - with renovations on a smaller scale - will ensure that such a much-loved building is conserved for future generations.

He added: "This decision demonstrates the Council's commitment to improving services in difficult times and it is great news for the future of Boston Castle.

"It is sensible to try to make savings where we can and to balance this against the advantages that making an investment such as this will have to the people of Rotherham both now and in the future.

"A number of alternative options were put forward and I am very pleased that we have been able to take a revised scheme forward."