MULTI-million pound plans to restore derelict parts of Highcliffe Castle will go out to public consultation.

With outline agreement from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for £2.9million to restore parts of the historic castle, members of the public will be asked their opinion on the project, named The Phoenix Files.

The money will be spent on further repairs and reopening of the derelict Penleaze Wing.

A ‘dynamic’ heritage centre for visitors is planned for the wing, which will also display the Castle’s collection of stained glass.

An initial development grant of £233,100 will fund a management plan and public consultation.

David Hopkins, Highcliffe Castle manager, said: “In order to test our ideas on the public and to establish if anything else should be included, we are hosting a series of special public consultations.

“The first consultation starts on Sunday, February 15 and runs until February 29 and will enable visitors to the Castle to contribute.

“This involves looking at the proposals in picture format, reading about them and then commenting.”

He added: “Our plans for the Castle involve participation at all levels. We want staff and volunteers to engage visitors of all ages in activities relating to the heritage.

“A priceless collection of medieval stained glass that belonged to Lord Stuart de Rothesay will be conserved and displayed within the Castle with visitors able to observe the conservation process first hand in a conservation studio that we wish to include.”

The project also plans to receive back on loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, key pieces of the original furniture, and to display them within the building as well as conserving the Victorian kitchen and create a dynamic study centre.

Money will also be spent on the grounds with plans to improve the parkland.