CADW – The historic environment service of the Welsh Government – has submitted the full plans for Caerphilly Castle enhancement works, which will see the medieval monument benefit from extensive conservation, renovation and construction works.
With details of the project first announced in June 2021, the £5m plans aim to cement Wales’ largest castle as a world-class heritage attraction by 2023 — welcoming visitors from across the nation and beyond.
Plan submission marks the start of the ambitious programme of works that will begin this month, with conservation work to the Inner East Gatehouse.
In spring 2022, further development and enhancement work will begin, including construction of a new visitor centre — as well as improvements to site access, interpretation, and refurbishment to the Great Hall and Earl’s Apartment area.
View details of the project including artist’s illustrations of the proposed new visitor centre.
Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw, said:
“We are thrilled to submit the ambitious plans for Caerphilly Castle, which we’re confident will transform the visitor experience at the site.
“While Caerphilly Castle is an internationally renowned monument, we recognise that first and foremost it is a local asset. We hope that local people will support our plans to invest in the castle — which will in turn boost the local economy.”
As a scheduled monument, Caerphilly Castle is subject to the highest level of heritage protection. Throughout these vital conservation works, Cadw is committed to ensuring that the Castle, which has stood since 1268, is protected for future generations and preserved with the utmost care.
Cllr Philippa Marsden, Leader of Caerphilly Council, said:
“We are pleased to be working with Cadw on the castle enhancement works, and look forward to seeing the improvements proposed in these plans take shape.
“The developments planned for the monument will further consolidate the castle as a must-see attraction in Wales, encouraging more people to visit our wonderful town.”
The enhancement project will see Cadw work in partnership Caerphilly Council, Mace project management, Purcell Architects, Bright interpretation designers, Mann Williams Engineers, Holloway Partnership M&E, Wessex Archaeology, BSG Ecology, Austin Smith Lord landscape architects, and John Weaver Contractors.
