Boston Castle restoration gets go-ahead

Semi-derelict and out of use for the past decade, the listed castle originally dates back to 1775 and was built by the Earl of Effingham as a hunting lodge. It is situated in the centre of the 23-acre Boston Park, which has long been popular for walking activities and the spectacular views over the Rother and Don rivers.

A revised scheme will still protect the castle building while at the same time make significant savings for the authority at a time when it has to review all its spending. It is part of a project totalling £1.2million, and will see essential repairs and restoration work to both the interior and exterior of the castle. The Heritage Lottery Fund has given a £590,000 grant towards the project.

The site will become a centre from which people can explore the heritage of the castle and its immediate surrounds. It will feature exhibition areas, an education/meeting space and toilets. The battlements will be reinstated in original salvaged stone, and the windows repaired with 18th century designs.

The surrounding area will benefit from hard and soft landscaping. Accessible paths will be created and on-site parking will be available. Security measures, including CCTV, flood lighting and discrete metal shutters, will be put in place to deter vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

A focal point of the project will be the transformation of the castle court yard into an attractive event space, providing an interesting and sociable venue for people visiting the park.

A programme of stimulating and interesting activities will be developed, which will target school children, family groups and adults. The project will also see the creation of two part-time jobs. There will be exhibitions and guided tours for visitors and new opportunities for volunteers to take part.

Cllr Iain St. John, the Council's Cabinet Member for Cultural Services and Sport, said: "I am delighted that the scheme can go ahead - albeit a scaled down version of the original.

"I am sure that the professional work put in by officers of Rotherham Borough Council would have been in vain without the enthusiasm and efforts put in by The Friends of Boston Castle.

"The Castle is of historic importance to Rotherham. It is an absolute gem - a major landmark, which deserves to be restored to its former glory. It will be splendid to see its regeneration particularly as it will hugely valuable in educational activities."

The Council's Chief Executive, Martin Kimber, described it as "excellent news". He added: "It is good to know that we can now get on with the works needed to ensure Boston Castle becomes a flagship for Rotherham and can be enjoyed by future generations."

Janet Worrall from The Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands said: "The Friends group is delighted that after eight years of campaigning and some disappointments along the way, the restoration of Boston Castle can now go ahead.

"The story of this historically-important building will not be forgotten. It has been Rotherham's landmark since 1776 and will now be preserved for future generations."

The restoration works to Boston Castle are due to start in August (2011)and it hoped that the building will open to the public by next spring (2012).