26/09/2008 08:36:00
Oystermouth Castle in Mumbles, Swansea, is to receive a £1.7 million makeover.
In 2003, Welsh Historic Monuments association, Cadw, labeled the monument as Wales' most run-down public castle. The association has since concluded that restoration work is critical in avoiding its closure.
The funds have been granted through various sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Swansea Council and Cadw. Another donation will come from the Friends of Oystermouth Castle - a sum already reserved to carry out conservation work and to build a new interpretation centre within the disused chapel block.
Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales, Dan Clayton Jones, told BBC News: "Without this funding, we would undoubtedly lose Oystermouth Castle which would not only mean the demise of a significant local historical asset but also the vital community engagement which has kept the castle alive over recent years."
Renovations are being made in hopes that visitor numbers will increase from 6,000 to 11,000 by 2011. The move also means a community coordinator is likely to be appointment for the site to help assemble an educational programme and attract more visitors.
Friends of Oystermouth Castle chairman, Roger Parmiter, told the broadcaster: "There's great affection for Oystermouth Castle among local people and this funding news is the single most important event in 150 years of the castle's recent history.
"The money will mean the creation of a wonderful new visitor centre on site and we hope the castle will be able to remain open for longer hours.
"It has suffered badly and we're delighted these contributions will ensure it's conserved for the future."
Oystermouth Castle was founded in the early 12th century by William de Londres and is considered one of the finest castles in the area. The south Wales monument still features visible remains from the 12th and 14th centuries and is rumoured to be haunted by a ghost on the east side chapel block.
