Boston Castle facelift awaits green light

Lofty landmark Boston Castle has stood derelict for a decade and become a target for vandals.

The Heritage Lottery Fund granted £590,000 funding in January 2010 for work to start last summer.

The borough council sorted the remaining cash for the £1.7 million project. But budget pressures meant a scaled-down version was drawn up and sent back to the HLF for approval at the end of 2010.

“Peripheral” extras such as a café and classroom were removed and the scheme, now worth £1.2 million, will concentrate on restoration of the 18th century castle.

Using the original project team and contractors will reduce further delays, should the revised bid be successful. It will also include:

• A two-storey extension with toilets and storage and allowing access to various levels of the castle.
• Landscaping work in the courtyard, courtesy of a £50,000 Biffaward grant.
• Modifications to the entrance with separate pedestrian access, extra car parking near the bowls pavilion and security lighting.
• The grade II-listed building was constructed as a hunting lodge by the Earl of Effingham in 1775.

Activity plans will be compiled to encourage volunteers and focus on attracting school trips and guided learners to visit the castle.

The HLF cash would run out in 2016, at which point the borough council would need to set aside about £20,000 a year to keep Boston Castle up and running.