From Sheffield Today, 27th April 2006

Park castle to get £3m renovation

ONE of Rotherham's best known landmarks could be renovated at a cost of more than £3 million.

Boston Castle - a former shooting lodge built in 1776 - is one of Rotherham's highest points and has panoramic views across the Don Valley. But it has become a target for vandals and thieves - and has been alight on a number of occasions.

Now Rotherham Council is planning to submit a bid to the National Lottery for part of the £3 million funding to carry out a major restoration project. But to get Lottery approval the council must come up with at least a quarter of the cost. The council will contribute around £1,093,548 as part of the financial package which could see the park turned into one of Rotherham's top leisure facilities.

The project, which takes in not only Boston Castle but also Park-lands and Canklow Woods, would see a variety of improvements with the restoration of the 18th century monument at the centre. The listed building could become a floodlit centre for both park management and visitors and because of its position special viewing facilities would be installed.

Councillor Georgina Boyes, Cabinet Member for Lifelong Learning, Culture and Leisure, said: "The allocation of this funding for this bid shows the commitment by us to the regeneration of this important park.

Glad to see the old building will be used in a good way instead of let ruin