Work to start on restoring wing of historic castle

The 18-month building project comes as the castle’s historic kitchen is being restored and new exhibition and activity spaces created. A new conservation studio will also enable an internationally important collection of stained glass to be restored and displayed.

Some original pieces of furniture which are currently held in storage by the Victoria & Albert Museum will then return to Highcliffe Castle with new staircases and floors being added and two lifts installed meaning the whole castle will be accessible to all.

“Highcliffe Castle really is a spectacular building and it’s fantastic we are able to carry out these works to restore it to its former glory,” says Cllr Sally Derham-Wilkes, chairman of Community Committee, Christchurch Borough Council.

“We must thank the public in advance for their understanding and patience while the building works take place and we aim to keep disruption to a minimum. I’m sure people will enjoy keeping up to date with how the project is progressing and once complete it will look fabulous.”

While the works take place the library and ante-library will be closed to the public and the whole castle will close from November 1 until mid-March 2018.

The work is being carried out by Greendale Construction and director Rob Hooker said it is “an honour and challenge” to be part of the project.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to have been awarded the Phase 7 works contract at Highcliffe Castle and to return to undertake the next phase of these interesting works,” he says. “It is an amazing Grade I Listed building of historic importance and to be part of its refurbishment for future generations is a real honour and challenge.”

A reduced admission rate is being charged to visitors until building work is complete. The work is being funded following to a substantial grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund with additional funding from the Country Houses Foundation, The Pilgrim Trust and Wolfson.