Lottery boost for Lancaster park

26 March 2014

A project to transform one of Lancaster’s most historic public spaces has received almost £60,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund's 'Our Heritage' programme.

The 'Beyond the Castle' project wants to create a high-quality public space around Lancaster’s historic castle and priory, down the hill and over the meadows to the quayside.

The lottery funding will be used to carry out a geophysical survey on the Scheduled Ancient Monument site that contains a series of three Roman forts, produce management plans for the site, and conservation activities including tree and vegetation work involving volunteers.

The money will also be used to provide guided walks and talks, create educational packs for use in loc! al schools and run arts workshops.

County Councillor Marcus Johnstone, Cabinet member for environment, planning and cultural services, said: "This funding will improve the condition of the site and help people to learn more about the heritage that's here.

"It will also help us to gain a greater understanding of the site, through better identification and recording of the archaeological remains and features in this historically important part of Lancaster."

The work on Castle Hill is an important element of the Lancaster Square Routes initiative, which is looking to improve streets and spaces across the city centre, being led by Lancaster City Council. This includes the current work taking place on Cheapside and Market Square.

Coun Janice Hanson, Cabinet member with responsibility for economic regeneration and planning, added: “The aim of Lancaster Square Routes is to capitalise on the city’s history and envia! ble townscape.

“The areas around the castle are key public spaces but they are currently underused and we could make much more use of them. I am delighted that we have been able to secure this money as it will help us to improve the area and encourage more people to explore this historic part of our city.”

Sara Hilton, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund North West, said: “We are delighted to support this project, which will unlock all the unknown layers of history quietly surrounding two of Lancaster’s best known landmarks. This will bring all those stories to life and to many more people, and will make the most of this previously unnoticed part of the city.”

Beyond the Castle is a partnership between the city and county councils. It is led by Lancashire County Council and has been supported by a co-design challenge led by Lancaster University – through PROUD, an EU INTERREG project.

As well as developing idea! s with residents and interested organisations, the project will work closely with other relevant landowners, such as the Duchy of Lancaster and the Diocese of Blackburn.

Further information can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/squareroutes. You can follow Beyond the Castle at www.facebook.com/beyondthecastle.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Lancaster Square Routes phase two works (Market Square, Cheapside, Horseshoe Corner and Penny Street) are being co-funded by the European Regional Development Programme 2007-2013, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council.

Heritage Lottery Fund:
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every par! t of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported almost 35,000 projects with more than £5.3bn across the UK. www.hlf.org.uk.

For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194

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