A range of improvements are proposed for the Lews Castle Grounds under a £5.5 million project.
This is the latest milestone in a joint initiative by the Stornoway Trust and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to restore and improve the castle grounds through a major funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People Programme.
Plans for restoring Lews Castle have already won support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and are well advanced. The opening date for the new museum in the castle has been delayed to the autumn.
£5.5 million plan to regenerate Lews Castle Grounds
21 April 2015
A decision on the main bid for lottery funding for the castle grounds project is expected in late June.
The total project cost is nearly £5.5 million and will restore important historic features, including the formal gardens, improve access, enhance management and maintenance and provide new facilities that will enable even more people to enjoy the outstanding public park.
A further phase will consider proposals for a new pedestrian bridge over the Bayhead
estuary, Woodlands Centre extension and redevelopment, Cuddy Point Boathouse, Matheson
Monument and environmental and car-
Other works include junior play facilities, Adventure play facilities and fitness trails with equipment
Also proposed are way-
The project also includes provision for new key posts to manage and maintain a park
of this importance and co-
The Stornoway Trust recently appointed a transition director to assist in the strategic and business planning of the trust.
The proposals have now been formally submitted to the Comhairle for planning permission and listed building consent.
Listed building permits are required for proposed repairs to the Porter’s Lodge; the Boatman’s Tower, the bastion walls and terrace steps in front of the castle, the walls and steps in the former private (sunken) gardens and the sea walls.
The planning applications are for proposed alterations and new works including a new fountain at Lews Castle, a new shelter structure in the sunken gardens, alterations to the roof of the Boatman’s Tower and new adventure and toddler play areas in the Bayhead embankment and Woodlands Centre area.
Lottery funding of £3,903,600 is being sought. It is anticipated the rest of the cash will come from contributions from the Stornoway Trust, the Comhairle, Historic Scotland and European funding.