City castle reopening date pushed back again

Part of a medieval castle is expected to reopen to the public in the summer, following a major regeneration beset by delays and soaring costs.

Construction work on Norwich Castle's keep began in the summer of 2020, but was hit by setbacks including the pandemic and difficulties obtaining steel due to the war in Ukraine.

The project, called Royal Palace Reborn, was initially expected to cost £20m but has since risen to £27.5m.

Norfolk County Council said it would announce a full reopening date once the 900-year-old building had been handed over by contractors.

Margaret Dewsbury, a Conservative councillor and cabinet member for communities, said the project was reaching an "exciting final few months".

"It's been an incredible journey so far, and we are thrilled to be moving on to the next stage when we can start to recreate the rich atmosphere of a Norman royal palace - with all the decorative elements that Henry I would have enjoyed when he visited Norwich Castle in 1121," she said.

"We look forward to welcoming our first visitors into the recreated Norman rooms in the spring, with the full opening to the general public in the summer."

In March 2022, the project's contractor, Morgan Sindall, told the BBC work on the castle's keep would be completed by the end of 2023.

However, the discovery of hidden Norman and Victorian features, plus the need to replace a leaking roof, meant the project was delayed further.

The revamp includes restoring the original floor levels in the keep, and recreating the great hall and the apartments of Norman kings.

A new gallery of Medieval life is also being created, in partnership with the British Museum, which will see more than 900 objects go on display.

The project was partly funded by a £13m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Last year, to cover rising costs, the council provided funds of £4.7m, on top of previous increases to the budget.

Later this spring, the council will offer a limited number of special previews of the keep "to key supporters", including members of the public and museum passholders, through a ticket ballot.

The council said the previews would help shape the visitor experience, in preparation for the grand reopening.

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