Occupying one of the highest points in Rotherham and visible for many miles around, Boston Castle is to be saved and transformed into a new visitor centre thanks to confirmation of a £590,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Semi-derelict and out of use for the past decade, the Grade II listed castle originally dates back to 1775 and was built by the Earl of Effingham as a hunting lodge.

It is situated in the centre of 23 acre Boston Park, which has long been popular for walking activities and enjoying the spectacular views.

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the Yorkshire and the Humber region, said:

“The grant is a welcome New Year boost for Rotherham residents who can now look forward to a revitalised Boston Castle. The project, totalling £1.7million, will see Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) transform the Castle and its surrounding landscape into an attractive and accessible experience for everyone to enjoy.”

Salvaged

The castle will be fully restored and a new low level extension built.

Boston Castle - Pic HLF

The site will become a visitor centre from which people can explore the heritage of the Victorian park and town below.

It will feature exhibition areas, an education room, toilets, a function room, a first-floor viewing platform and an outside café terrace.

The battlements will be reinstated in original salvaged stone, and the windows repaired with 18th century designs.

A programme of stimulating and interesting activities will be developed that will target school children, family groups and adults.

The project will also see the creation of three new jobs.

There will be exhibitions and guided tours for visitors, and new opportunities for volunteers to take part.

Janet Worrall from The Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands said:

“The Friends group are delighted that after eight years of campaigning and some disappointments along the way, funding through Rotherham Borough Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund has been secured for the restoration of Boston Castle.  This important building, which has been Rotherham’s landmark since 1776, will now be preserved for future generations to enjoy and its story not forgotten.”

The works to Boston Castle are due to start in Spring 2010.