1

Castle GroundsRegeneration Project

Project Open Day19th April 2014

2

Significance of the Castle GroundsCastle Grounds Regeneration Project

The Castle Grounds are anoutstanding example of adesigned landscape and ofmajor importance in the OuterHebrides

3

IntroductionCastle Grounds Regeneration Project

Today’s presentation

1. Project area2. Project purpose3. Work done so far4. Project scope5. Next steps

4

Project Area

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

Core area

5

Project purpose

Restoration &conservation

Increasedpublic use

andinvolvement

Learning andskills

development

Project success:A restored, well-used place thathelps people to learn aboutheritage and the environmentand allows them to develop skillsand assist in managing the park.

Lews Castle Grounds has asustainable and secure futureas a public and natural asset

The Castle Grounds contribute toachievement of a sustainable,healthy and prosperouscommunity in the OuterHebrides

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

6

Heritage Lottery Fund requirements

HLF Parks for People programmerequired project outcomes

1. Increasing the range of park users2. Conserving and improving heritage value3. Increasing the range of volunteers4. Improving skills and knowledge through

learning and training5. Improving management and maintenance

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

7

3. Project work done so far

Project scoping stage completed

1. Surveys of landscape and buildings2. Ecology Survey3. Archaeological dig of Sunken Garden4. Historical research5. Consultation with the public and

interested groups6. Cost estimates prepared7. Stakeholder Group set up8. Project scope approved

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

8

4. Project Scope

1. Restoration of historic features and planting2. Work to paths to improve accessibility3. Works to key buildings4. New play features5. New pedestrian bridge at Bayhead6. Better signage and information7. A programme of activities to increase use8. Improved maintenance9. Increase in volunteering

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

Main elements of project

9

4. Project ScopeCastle Grounds Regeneration Project

Master plan

10

4. Project Scope

Restoration of historic landscapefeatures and planting

1. Sunken Garden (including new shelter)2. Matheson Memorial3. Bridges4. Bastion wall5. Fountain6. Sea wall (critical areas)7. Landscaping works to Cuddy Point8. American Arboretum9. Improve landscape around Porter’s Lodge

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

11

Key historic featuresCastle Grounds Regeneration Project

12

Improvements to pathsCastle Grounds Regeneration Project

13

Works to key buildings

Porter’s Lodge

1. Replace roof2. Stonework repairs3. Basic internal repairs4. Proposed uses: displays, small exhibitions,

events

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

14

Works to key buildings

Boatman’s Tower

1. Remove mansard roof2. Stonework repairs3. Internal repairs4. Proposed uses: visitor information and

services

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

15

Works to key buildings

Boathouse

1. Replace with new building2. Base for water sports3. Toilets/Showers4. Information

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

16

Works to key buildings

Woodlands Centre

1. Bring kitchen inside2. Move servery3. Lift to first floor4. Expand information about Castle

Grounds

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

17

New play featuresCastle Grounds Regeneration Project

Adventure playarea within trees

Toddlers play area atWoodlands CentreCastle

18

New pedestrian bridgeCastle Grounds Regeneration Project

Location underdiscussion withStornowayPort Authority

19

Next steps

Develop designs and make fundingapplications: April to December 2014

1. Develop design proposals and costs2. Develop interpretation plan3. Prepare Activity Plan4. Develop Management & Maintenance Plan5. Consultation with Stakeholder Group and

public6. Funding applications

Castle Grounds Regeneration Project

If funding applications successful,works could start in late 2015