Morgan Sindall opens the doorway to Norwich Castle's new life
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties business has reached an important milestone at the transformational Norwich Castle, as it opens its new entrance to visitors for the first time.
The work being funded by £18 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, has seen the entrance area transformed into a light-filled atrium beneath a glass roof providing views of the Keep and its entrance forebuilding, previously hidden to visitors.
A brand-new shop and 60-seat restaurant will enhance the visitor offer while a new education room will offer a bigger space and much improved facilities for school groups and learning activities.
This new welcoming entrance adapts the existing 1960s block known as The Percival while incorporating elements of the Victorian fabric designed by architect, Edward Boardman, when the Castle site was first transformed from county prison into a museum in the late 19th century. It follows on from the successful completion of new toilet facilities, including a Changing Places facility, which opened last year.
Once all phases are complete, Norwich Castle will be a true ‘People’s Palace’, and the most accessible castle in the UK, with visitors able to access every floor for the first time ever – from basement to rooftop battlements. A partnership with the British Museum will create a spectacular medieval gallery, showcasing over 1,000 medieval artefacts and treasures.
Construction is already underway for the next phase for a new glass bridge which will offer step free access into the recreated Norman room settings of the Keep, once building work is completed.
A priority for the project is being able to accommodate more school groups when the Keep reopens. To achieve this, a new education room has been designed and fitted out with generous grants from The Norwich Freemen’s Charity and the Educational Foundation of Alderman John Norman.
In restoring Norwich Castle to its former glory as a Norman royal palace, Morgan Sindall Construction’s team has had to be sympathetic to its 900 year history.
Working closely with Historic England, the team have taken the time necessary to ensure that any changes to the planned works minimise the impact on the historic fabric of this medieval structure as much as possible. This is a once-in-a-lifetime project, and the team must ensure that they are treating this unique building with the care and respect it deserves so the finished development and interpretation does full justice to one of the most spectacular palaces in medieval Europe.
Alister Broadberry, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Eastern Counties, said:
It’s been a privilege to work on the Norwich Castle re-development, a one-of-a-kind project that will safeguard and revitalise a vital part of the local community and of our national heritage. The historic nature of the building means we’ve frequently faced unique scenarios, as the castle’s secrets have been rediscovered after years - if not centuries - of being hidden away. By taking an agile and collaborative approach, working alongside Norfolk County Council, Feilden + Mawson and Conisbee, we’ve been able to respectfully preserve the castle’s past while creating a facility fit for the 21st century.”
Cllr. Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council, says:
This is an important milestone in the Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project. The new entrance is not only a beautiful space which lifts the spirits as soon as you enter but is also a crucial upgrade to our facilities as we prepare to welcome more visitors than ever before in the Castle’s history. It will play an important role in our ambition to establish Norwich Castle as a must-visit destination regionally, nationally and internationally.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Area Director, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
It’s fantastic to see the first phase of Norwich Castle’s re-development reach this important milestone. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support this project with a grant of £13 million, ensuring that Norwich Castle will continue to delight and inspire visitors for generations to come.”
ENDS