07 Aug 2008
HLF funding bid for castle restoration plan
BY Pete Hayman
A Welsh preservation trust is bidding for lottery money to help fund the multi-million pound restoration of Cardigan Castle in Ceredigion, west Wales. Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust is applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a grant to restore the Scheduled Ancient Monument, which dates back to 1176 and was the site of Wales' first ever Eisteddfod, the annual national Welsh language festival. The project will involve the restoration of castle buildings and walls, as well as transforming the grounds into a cultural heritage and visitor centre with an adult learning facility. Plans also include turning some of the outbuildings into holiday accommodation. Cadwgan has already received £1.5m in funding for the project from partners and funding bodies such as the Welsh Assembly government, Ceredigion County Council and the Architectural Heritage Fund. A further £8.6m is still required for the project, with the Trust hoping to receive £4.8m from the HLF. Jann Tucker, chair of Cadwgan, said: "Cardigan Castle is one of the most historical sites in Wales. Our aim is to conserve and restore one of our national treasures. The project is of national importance as it will resurrect one of Wales' cultural landmarks - the birthplace of our Eisteddfod." If the necessary funding can be secured, it is anticipated that the restored castles and its new facilities will be completed by 2012.
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