Morgan Sindall Construction’s Eastern Counties division has announced the opening of Norwich Castle’s new entrance to the public.
The opening marks the completion of the first phase of this project and a major milestone in the transformation of Norwich Castle, England, UK.
The project is being supported by a £18m ($19m) grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The entrance area has been revitalised into a bright atrium with a glass roof, offering views of the ‘Keep’ and its entrance building for the first time.
The transformation includes the addition of a new shop and a 60-seat restaurant to improve the visitor experience.
An education room has also been expanded to provide enhanced facilities for school groups and learning activities.
This new entrance, which modernises the Percival block from the 1960s, also integrates aspects of Victorian architecture from when the castle was first converted into a museum.
Following the recent opening of new toilet facilities, including a Changing Places facility, the castle is reportedly on its way to becoming the UK’s most accessible castle.
Morgan Sindall highlighted that visitors will be able to access all the floors of the castle for the first time.
Morgan Sindall Construction Eastern Counties area director Alister Broadberry said: “The historic nature of the building means we’ve frequently faced unique scenarios, as the castle’s secrets have been rediscovered after years – if not centuries – of being hidden away.
“By taking an agile and collaborative approach, working alongside Norfolk County Council, Feilden + Mawson and Conisbee, we have been able to respectfully preserve the castle’s past while creating a facility fit for the 21st century.”
