AREAS of Highcliffe Castle which have been impassable for half a century have been opened up by an 18-month restoration project.

Greendale Construction Ltd is nearing the end of its work on the castle’s Penleaze Wing.

It has restored parts of the buildings which were cut off after two fires and vandalism.

Katie Ingham, heritage team leader at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working in partnership with the Greendale team. Throughout the project their professionalism and expertise has been fantastic and their extensive knowledge has enabled each part to run smoothly and effectively.

“We are excited to open the Penleaze wing in spring 2019 and we cannot wait for our visitors to enjoy the wonderful work that Greendale have completed on this once vacant part of the castle; we look forward to bringing it alive once more.”

Rob Hooker, director at Greendale Construction Limited in Poole, said: “The restoration of the Penleaze Wing and creation of the new heritage centre has not only opened up parts of the castle previously inaccessible since the fires over 50 years ago but, will also help create a lasting legacy with this historically significant attraction, bringing visitors from all over the world to Christchurch and the surrounding area.”

The castle was built between 1831 and 1836 by diplomat Lord Stuart de Rothesay. Restoration has combined modern technology and techniques with minimal repairs to existing plaster and brickwork.

The castle’s original kitchen from the 1800s has be reinstalled, with original stone floors relaid along with new concrete ground slabs.

Existing solid floors were overlaid and new oak flooring installed in key rooms, along with underfloor heating. Existing exposed brickwork and remaining original wall and ceiling finishes were conserved.

Previously repaired windows and doors were sympathetically overhauled and repairs were done to a stone staircase.

The work also included the extension of upper level stairs and timber, the formation of two new lift shafts and five new or restored stairs. A mezzanine level walkway was added, along with new steel stairs.

The renovation has created new exhibition and activity spaces. It will enable an internationally important collection of stained glass, started by Lord Stuart de Rothesay, to be restored and displayed.

The castle will also be able to welcome back some original pieces of Marshal Ney furniture from the Victoria & Albert Museum which was originally bought by Lord Stuart de Rothesay to furnish the English Embassy in Paris and subsequently brought to Highcliffe.

Renovation work also revealed a previously hidden well in the kitchen area, which was made safe and which the public will be able to see.