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Castle Grounds
Regeneration Project
Project Open Day
19
th
April 2014
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Significance of the Castle Grounds
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
The Castle Grounds are an
outstanding exampl e of a
designed landscape and of
major importance i n the Outer
Hebrides
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Introduction
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
Todays presentation
1. Project area
2. Project purpose
3. Work done so far
4. Project scope
5. Next steps
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Project Area
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
Core area
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Project purpose
Restoration &
conservation
Increased
public use
and
involvement
Learning and
skills
development
Project success:
A restored, well-used place that
helps people to learn about
heritage and the environment
and allows them to develop skills
and assist in managing the park.
Lews Castle Grounds has a
sustainable and secure future
as a public and natural asset
The Castle Grounds contribute to
achievement of a sustainable,
healthy and prosperous
community in the Outer
Hebrides
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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Heritage Lottery Fund requirements
HLF Parks for People programme
required project outcomes
1. Increasing the range of park users
2. Conserving and improving heritage value
3. Increasing the range of volunteers
4. Improving skills and knowledge through
learning and training
5. Improving management and maintenance
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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3. Project work done so far
Project scoping stage completed
1. Surveys of landscape and buildings
2. Ecology Survey
3. Archaeological dig of Sunken Garden
4. Historical research
5. Consultation with the public and
interested groups
6. Cost estimates prepared
7. Stakeholder Group set up
8. Project scope approved
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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4. Project Scope
1. Restoration of historic features and planting
2. Work to paths to improve accessibility
3. Works to key buildings
4. New play features
5. New pedestrian bridge at Bayhead
6. Better signage and information
7. A programme of activities to increase use
8. Improved maintenance
9. Increase in volunteering
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
Main elements of project
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4. Project Scope
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
Master plan
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4. Project Scope
Restoration of historic landscape
features and planting
1. Sunken Garden (including new shelter)
2. Matheson Memorial
3. Bridges
4. Bastion wall
5. Fountain
6. Sea wall (critical areas)
7. Landscaping works to Cuddy Point
8. American Arboretum
9. Improve landscape around Porters Lodge
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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Key historic features
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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Improvements to paths
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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Works to key buildings
Porters Lodge
1. Replace roof
2. Stonework repairs
3. Basic internal repairs
4. Proposed uses: displays, small exhibitions,
events
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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Works to key buildings
Boatmans Tower
1. Remove mansard roof
2. Stonework repairs
3. Internal repairs
4. Proposed uses: visitor information and
services
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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Works to key buildings
Boathouse
1. Replace with new building
2. Base for water sports
3. Toilets/Showers
4. Information
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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Works to key buildings
Woodlands Centre
1. Bring kitchen inside
2. Move servery
3. Lift to first floor
4. Expand information about Castle
Grounds
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
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New play features
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
Adventure play
area within trees
Toddlers play area at
Woodlands Centre
Castle
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New pedestrian bridge
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
Location under
discussion with
Stornoway
Port Authority
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Next steps
Develop designs and make funding
applications: April to December 2014
1. Develop design proposals and costs
2. Develop interpretation plan
3. Prepare Activity Plan
4. Develop Management & Maintenance Plan
5. Consultation with Stakeholder Group and
public
6. Funding applications
Castle Grounds Regeneration Project
If funding applications successful,
works could start in late 2015