A RESTORATION project to transform the 18th-century Boston Castle in Rotherham is set to move forward, after being scaled down owing to funding pressures.
Semi-derelict and out of use for a decade, the castle dates back to 1775 and was built by the Earl of Effingham as a hunting lodge.
A £1.7m scheme to renovate the castle was signed off last year, with the Heritage Lottery Fund providing £600,000 towards the project and Rotherham Council putting up the rest.
However, owing to budget cuts, Rotherham Council has now agreed a revised scheme which will see the authority contribute £600,000 rather than £1.1m towards the restoration. The work will see repairs carried out and a new visitors’ centre built.
The battlements will be reinstated, the windows repaired and the courtyard transformed into a space for outdoor events.
Coun Ian St John, Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for culture and sport, said: “I am delighted that the scheme can go ahead – albeit a scaled down version of the original.
“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 go ahead.”
Work is set to begin in August and Boston Castle could be open to the public by next spring.
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