Castle transformation project moving ahead

Plans to transform the ground of Hertford Castle have moved a step forward with consukltants being sought to oversee the project.

The scheme will refurbish and upgrade Hertford Castle and its surrounding grounds to create new cultural, community and biodiversity amenities for the local community.

The winning lead consultant and project manager team will complete a study looking into the extent of capital works needed for an ambitious overhaul of the site.

The project – planned to complete in 2028 – will transform the town centre landmark and its surrounding landscaped grounds into a new cultural and community hub. The run-down Ashley Webb pavillion will also be converted into a new multi-use space for performances and wellbeing activities.

According to the brief "Hertford Castle Transformation is a National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) project which will transform Hertford Castle, developing it as a hub for activities and for the town council to engage with the community, increasing its value to the public, and connecting people with cultural and natural heritage.

"This project has been awarded funding from the NLHF for its development stage to refine the project and develop specifications for works which will be undertaken during the delivery stage. At the end of the development stage an application for funding for the delivery stage will be submitted to the NLHF.

"The appointed Consultant will take responsibility for co-ordination of all consultants and sub-consultants delivery professional services and project outputs under direction of the project partners."