Elizabeth Castle rejuvenation plans approved

Tuesday 18 May 2021

Plans to revamp officers’ barracks into nine holiday bedrooms and an exhibition space have been given the green light, in another step towards a revamp of Elizabeth Castle.

The barracks are currently predominantly used for office space and as a display area for the public - however, this new development will now see it turned into self-catering accommodation for visitors to stay.

The barracks date back to the 18th century, but have been refurbished several times across the past 100 years, most recently between 1987 and 1988.  

The current exhibition located in the building will be removed completely as part of the new development, and new bathrooms and other living amenities will be provided.

A Design and Heritage Impact statement submitted as part of the planning application noted that the “replacement of modern windows and re-fitting of doors in their original location and the addition of lanterns in original brackets will enhance its appearance, while continued public access will enhance understanding and enjoyment.”

Pictured: The last time the barracks were refurbished was in the late 1980s.

It follows plans to rejuvenate the Hospital Block of Elizabeth Castle being approved earlier this year, opening the building to the public for the first time in many years.

Those plans will see the restoration of the Hospital Block as a museum, as well as a refurbishment of the coal store and the stables, engineers’ store, and coal yard buildings to provide toilets, catering, lecture and exhibition facilities.

Discussing the hospital block, Anthony Gibb, author of the Design and Heritage Impact statement accompanying the planning application, emphasised that it was “an important building, not just in relation to the history of Elizabeth Castle, but nationally as a rare example of a purpose built military hospital.” 

Last year, the development of the castle hit some controversy when the originally proposed Government Plan 2021-24 pulled £3.4m worth of funding for the restoration plans without the knowledge of then-Assistant Culture Minister, Deputy Montfort Tadier.

Later that month, Heritage hit out at the Government’s “embarrassingly long history of inaction” with regards to the castle, dating back over 40 years. 

However, following an amendment from Deputy Tadier, initially for £2.6m, £750,000 was agreed and granted towards the castle’s maintenance as part of the approved plan.