From “Clitheroe Today”, 11th August 2005
Keepers of Castle campaign launched
Clitheroe’s Castle is certainly not falling down, but it is quite clearly somewhat frayed around the edges. The ravages of time have caught up with the jewel in Clitheroe's crown and the opportunity has come to stop the rot.
Ribble Valley Borough Council has launched a £3m scheme to turn the Castle into a major tourist attraction. The Clitheroe Advertiser and Times is joining forces with the council in launching a huge appeal to raise £500,000 in a bid to give the Norman Castle a well-deserved facelift.
A £2m funding bid has already been submitted to the Lottery and the outcome should be known at the end of the year. If the bid is successful, a further £250,000 has been pledged by Clitheroe the Future on behalf of the North West Development Agency, along with other pots of money from key organisations. This week, the "Keepers of the Castle Campaign" was launched to meet the £500,000 shortfall. We urgently need your help in ensuring that the money is raised.
The 18-month campaign will be spearheaded by a task force comprising officers from the council's Tourism and Communications departments and the Friends of Clitheroe Castle Group. We still need community involvement. We need people with skills, but more importantly, we need people who love the Castle and want to see it go forward.
The Castle Keep and the associated buildings are set to embark on an exciting future. If nothing is done, then the implications for the site will be significant. The fabric of the buildings is in poor condition and it is highly possible that the museum could have to close.
Action is needed now.
Next week we will be giving in-depth details of the scheme and how you can help. In the meantime, anyone wishing to become involved should contact tourism and arts officer Rebecca Kay, tel. 01200 425111.
Full Version: Clitheroe Castle
A vintage postcard of Clitheroe Castle from my collection.
Some modern pictures of Clitheroe Castle.
Two sketches of Clitheroe Castle from 1848.
One of Clitheroe Castle in 1835.
A picture of Clithroe Castle in 1753.
The Buck Brothers' print of Clitheroe Castle in 1727.
... and plans of Clitheroe Castle.
Click to view attachment
Site Plan
Click to view attachment
Plan of keep
Click to view attachment
Site Plan
Click to view attachment
Plan of keep
From “Clitheroe Today”, 8th September 2005
One small seed from space, one giant tree for the Valley
"MOON TREES" with roots in outer space are to be planted in the Ribble Valley.
Two special "moon trees", grown from the seeds of trees whose own seeds were part of the 1972 Apollo 14 moon mission, will be planted in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle and at Clitheroe Cemetery.
Seeds from sweet gum, sycamore, redwood, Douglas fir and pine trees were taken onboard Apollo 14 to evaluate the impact of lack of atmosphere and space radiation on tree seeds and their germination rates.
The seeds were returned to earth, germinated, grown and eventually planted at selected sites across America, thus becoming known as moon trees.
Ribble Valley Council's Countryside Officer, David Hewitt, has sourced seeds from the original moon trees and hopes to plant them in the Clitheroe Cemetery Arboretum and grounds of Clitheroe Castle.
He said: "The seeds were among a small number of items that the Apollo astronauts took onboard the command module.
"After their return, the seeds were germinated and the trees planted at selected sites across the United States.
"I have been lucky enough to source seeds from these first generation moon trees and intend sowing and growing them, until they are large enough to be planted.
"This is an exciting environmental project and these trees will be a fitting monument to one of the most momentous occasions in modern history, albeit in a quiet corner of Clitheroe."
One small seed from space, one giant tree for the Valley
"MOON TREES" with roots in outer space are to be planted in the Ribble Valley.
Two special "moon trees", grown from the seeds of trees whose own seeds were part of the 1972 Apollo 14 moon mission, will be planted in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle and at Clitheroe Cemetery.
Seeds from sweet gum, sycamore, redwood, Douglas fir and pine trees were taken onboard Apollo 14 to evaluate the impact of lack of atmosphere and space radiation on tree seeds and their germination rates.
The seeds were returned to earth, germinated, grown and eventually planted at selected sites across America, thus becoming known as moon trees.
Ribble Valley Council's Countryside Officer, David Hewitt, has sourced seeds from the original moon trees and hopes to plant them in the Clitheroe Cemetery Arboretum and grounds of Clitheroe Castle.
He said: "The seeds were among a small number of items that the Apollo astronauts took onboard the command module.
"After their return, the seeds were germinated and the trees planted at selected sites across the United States.
"I have been lucky enough to source seeds from these first generation moon trees and intend sowing and growing them, until they are large enough to be planted.
"This is an exciting environmental project and these trees will be a fitting monument to one of the most momentous occasions in modern history, albeit in a quiet corner of Clitheroe."
That's pretty neat. I've never heard of Moon Trees before 
I think I'll do a little more research on that and see what I can come up with.
Thanks for sharing that tid-bit of info.
I think I'll do a little more research on that and see what I can come up with.Thanks for sharing that tid-bit of info.
I've just learned that Meg has a different slant on space seeds and will be posting about her plants soon in another forum 
From the BBC Website, 1st November 2005
£3m project for historic castle
A £3m project is under way to transform one of Lancashire's oldest buildings.
A £2m bid has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to help to fund work on Clitheroe Castle and modernise its museum.
Fundraisers - the Keeper's of the Castle - aim to raise £500,000 towards the project.
The renovation includes a glass atrium between the castle museum and the North West Sound Archive with a cafe and interactive displays.
Further work will ensure that the castle keep - said to be the second smallest in England - is structurally sound.
'Town's identity'
Funds have also been promised by the North West Development Agency and other organisations if the lottery bid is successful.
The work aims to make the castle, sited in a town centre park, an all-weather attraction.
Ribble Valley Borough Council said it wanted to "position the castle and museum as a central and integral part of the town's identity and leisure experience".
The castle was built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy to protect the administrative centre of his vast estates.
The outcome of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid will be known at the end of the year.
£3m project for historic castle
A £3m project is under way to transform one of Lancashire's oldest buildings.
A £2m bid has been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund to help to fund work on Clitheroe Castle and modernise its museum.
Fundraisers - the Keeper's of the Castle - aim to raise £500,000 towards the project.
The renovation includes a glass atrium between the castle museum and the North West Sound Archive with a cafe and interactive displays.
Further work will ensure that the castle keep - said to be the second smallest in England - is structurally sound.
'Town's identity'
Funds have also been promised by the North West Development Agency and other organisations if the lottery bid is successful.
The work aims to make the castle, sited in a town centre park, an all-weather attraction.
Ribble Valley Borough Council said it wanted to "position the castle and museum as a central and integral part of the town's identity and leisure experience".
The castle was built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy to protect the administrative centre of his vast estates.
The outcome of the Heritage Lottery Fund bid will be known at the end of the year.
From “Clitheroe Today”, 15th December 2005
We've hit the jackpot! Castle's £2m. windfall
WE'VE done it! The Heritage Lottery Fund has approved the £2m. bid to revamp and restore Clitheroe Castle.
Ribble Valley Borough Council leaders and community campaigners were today jubilant as they prepared to move the appeal for the outstanding £700,000 into top gear.
The money is the biggest Lottery windfall Clitheroe has seen and will mark the start of the biggest heritage restoration project in the town's history. The sum of £159,500 will be released immediately, with the rest to follow subject to further details and planning.
The ambitious scheme will position the Castle and museum as a central part of the town's identity and leisure experience. It will become an all-weather attraction with the capacity to attract 17,000 visitors a year.
To achieve this, a huge glass atrium will link the museum and the North West Sound Archives. It will connect on two levels with a lift, facilities for the disabled, café, exhibition space and interactive display facilities. A new education suite will be developed in the stable block.
The museum will undergo major restoration and internal modernisation in a bid to develop a reputation as a quality visitor attraction with a strong link in the education and specialist interests sectors. Further work will ensure the Castle Keep, built in 1186, is structurally sound.
The Heritage Lottery Fund's regional manager, Tony Jones, said: "This project offers Clitheroe Castle a secure future. The scheme aims to totally rejuvenate the castle as a modern interactive museum, as well as conserving an important historic building.
"The Heritage Lottery Fund is dedicated to maximising the use of heritage gems like this and I have no doubt that the improved museum will be a valuable asset for local people and visitors alike."
Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's Community Committee, described the announcement as "fantastic news".
He said: "After many years, the Heritage Lottery Fund bid has finally proved successful. It has been a long road and our officers are to be congratulated for their determination and hard work.
"This scheme will create a first-class facility for Clitheroe and we are looking forward to taking this project forward with our partners and the community. We are absolutely delighted."
Clitheroe the Future, on behalf of the North West Development Agency, is poised to put a further £250,000 into the pot following today's announcement and it is hoped to attract additional funding from key organisations. Planning and listed building applications will be lodged in 2006.
We've hit the jackpot! Castle's £2m. windfall
WE'VE done it! The Heritage Lottery Fund has approved the £2m. bid to revamp and restore Clitheroe Castle.
Ribble Valley Borough Council leaders and community campaigners were today jubilant as they prepared to move the appeal for the outstanding £700,000 into top gear.
The money is the biggest Lottery windfall Clitheroe has seen and will mark the start of the biggest heritage restoration project in the town's history. The sum of £159,500 will be released immediately, with the rest to follow subject to further details and planning.
The ambitious scheme will position the Castle and museum as a central part of the town's identity and leisure experience. It will become an all-weather attraction with the capacity to attract 17,000 visitors a year.
To achieve this, a huge glass atrium will link the museum and the North West Sound Archives. It will connect on two levels with a lift, facilities for the disabled, café, exhibition space and interactive display facilities. A new education suite will be developed in the stable block.
The museum will undergo major restoration and internal modernisation in a bid to develop a reputation as a quality visitor attraction with a strong link in the education and specialist interests sectors. Further work will ensure the Castle Keep, built in 1186, is structurally sound.
The Heritage Lottery Fund's regional manager, Tony Jones, said: "This project offers Clitheroe Castle a secure future. The scheme aims to totally rejuvenate the castle as a modern interactive museum, as well as conserving an important historic building.
"The Heritage Lottery Fund is dedicated to maximising the use of heritage gems like this and I have no doubt that the improved museum will be a valuable asset for local people and visitors alike."
Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's Community Committee, described the announcement as "fantastic news".
He said: "After many years, the Heritage Lottery Fund bid has finally proved successful. It has been a long road and our officers are to be congratulated for their determination and hard work.
"This scheme will create a first-class facility for Clitheroe and we are looking forward to taking this project forward with our partners and the community. We are absolutely delighted."
Clitheroe the Future, on behalf of the North West Development Agency, is poised to put a further £250,000 into the pot following today's announcement and it is hoped to attract additional funding from key organisations. Planning and listed building applications will be lodged in 2006.
always love a happy ending! 
Always like to hear of some new preservation work, great stuff, and nice to hear that all of my wife's wasted lottery tickets have not been in vain! 
It's great this project is getting some help...and about time too.
lottery = a tax on people bad in math.
Robert A. Heinlein
I must be one of those!!
lottery = a tax on people bad in math.
Robert A. Heinlein
I must be one of those!!
Hmm - couldn't say. Know people who have won the lottery, but guess I will never win, as I don't play.
I don't play either. I choose to make donations to what I consider worthy causes.
I'm a worthy cause!!!!!!!!! 
Ah! That's a matter of opinion 
I'll just have to go out and rattle a tin then, bah humbug! 
Okay - here you are.
Just burning out the printer!!!! 
Sorry sir, but we don't accept English notes up here!
QUOTE
Sorry sir, but we don't accept English notes up here!
From the BBC Website, 6th February 2006
Castle revamp group plans future
Supporters of a £3m plan to refurbish an 800-year-old Lancashire castle are meeting on Monday to discuss the next stage of the project. The renovation of Clitheroe Castle and Museum - the biggest heritage project in the town's history - is expected to be completed by 2008. It follows a successful bid for £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Campaigners must raise £700,000 towards the scheme and are appealing for more people to join the group.
Leisure experience
The renovation includes a glass atrium between the castle museum and the North West Sound Archive with a cafe and interactive displays. The work aims to make the castle, sited in a town centre park, an all-weather attraction. Ribble Valley Borough Council said it wanted to "position the castle and museum as a central and integral part of the town's identity and leisure experience".
The castle was built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy to protect the administrative centre of his vast estates.
The public meeting takes place at the council chamber in Church Street, Clitheroe, on Monday evening.
Castle revamp group plans future
Supporters of a £3m plan to refurbish an 800-year-old Lancashire castle are meeting on Monday to discuss the next stage of the project. The renovation of Clitheroe Castle and Museum - the biggest heritage project in the town's history - is expected to be completed by 2008. It follows a successful bid for £2m from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Campaigners must raise £700,000 towards the scheme and are appealing for more people to join the group.
Leisure experience
The renovation includes a glass atrium between the castle museum and the North West Sound Archive with a cafe and interactive displays. The work aims to make the castle, sited in a town centre park, an all-weather attraction. Ribble Valley Borough Council said it wanted to "position the castle and museum as a central and integral part of the town's identity and leisure experience".
The castle was built in 1186 by Robert de Lacy to protect the administrative centre of his vast estates.
The public meeting takes place at the council chamber in Church Street, Clitheroe, on Monday evening.
From the Lancashire Telegraph, 13th January 2007
£3.2m revamp starts at keep of castle
Archaeologists have started work at Clitheroe Castle's keep in the first stage of a £3.2million refurbishment of the site.
For two weeks, Jeremy Bradley and Rebekah Pressler, of Oxford Archaeology, Lancaster, will be digging test pits around the keep's base. Each pit will measure half a metre square and there will be eight in total.
The site has never been excavated before and they will dig until they reach the first significant level of archaeology. After the archaeological work is completed, work will begin inside the keep on the installation of wiring and lights, a web cam and sound system.
The outside of the keep will see new railings, the redesign of the garden, the resurfacing of the old footpath, construction of a new stretch of footpath and the removal of four self-seeded sycamore trees.
Chris Hughes, Ribble Valley Borough Council's community development manager, who is spearheading the £3.2million Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme, said: "The archaeological dig has to take place, before refurbishment of the site can start in earnest. The archaeologists have no idea what they will find, but early indications are there may be the remains of some pre-Medieval pottery."
The £150,000 refurbishment of the keep is being funded specifically by the Lancashire Economic Partnership and the Rotary Club of Ribblesdale, Rotary Club of Clitheroe, Clitheroe Round Table, Rotary Club of Pendle View and Lions Club of Clitheroe. The Heritage Lottery Fund approved a £2million bid by Ribble Valley Borough Council to revamp Clitheroe Castle and Museum last year.
The ambitious scheme will see a glass atrium linking the museum and North West Sound Archives on two levels, with a lift, facilities for the disabled, cafe, exhibition space, interactive display facilities and education suite.
£3.2m revamp starts at keep of castle
Archaeologists have started work at Clitheroe Castle's keep in the first stage of a £3.2million refurbishment of the site.
For two weeks, Jeremy Bradley and Rebekah Pressler, of Oxford Archaeology, Lancaster, will be digging test pits around the keep's base. Each pit will measure half a metre square and there will be eight in total.
The site has never been excavated before and they will dig until they reach the first significant level of archaeology. After the archaeological work is completed, work will begin inside the keep on the installation of wiring and lights, a web cam and sound system.
The outside of the keep will see new railings, the redesign of the garden, the resurfacing of the old footpath, construction of a new stretch of footpath and the removal of four self-seeded sycamore trees.
Chris Hughes, Ribble Valley Borough Council's community development manager, who is spearheading the £3.2million Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme, said: "The archaeological dig has to take place, before refurbishment of the site can start in earnest. The archaeologists have no idea what they will find, but early indications are there may be the remains of some pre-Medieval pottery."
The £150,000 refurbishment of the keep is being funded specifically by the Lancashire Economic Partnership and the Rotary Club of Ribblesdale, Rotary Club of Clitheroe, Clitheroe Round Table, Rotary Club of Pendle View and Lions Club of Clitheroe. The Heritage Lottery Fund approved a £2million bid by Ribble Valley Borough Council to revamp Clitheroe Castle and Museum last year.
The ambitious scheme will see a glass atrium linking the museum and North West Sound Archives on two levels, with a lift, facilities for the disabled, cafe, exhibition space, interactive display facilities and education suite.
From The Clitheroe Advertiser & Times, 28th February 2007
Keep facelift nears completion
Work to improve Clitheroe Castle Keep should be completed by the end of March. Archaeologists have been keeping a watching brief as the £80,000 scheme progresses. At a joint meeting of the Friends of Clitheroe Castle and Keepers of the Castle, those present were told that interesting finds had been made, mainly of pottery under the surface. More archaeological work will be carried out as the scheme, which is to incorporate floodlights around the structure, progresses. The full planning application for the major £3.2m scheme involving the museum, sound archives and associated buildings is currently going through the consultation process, which will include the committee for scheduled monuments.
Ribble Valley Borough Council's community development manager Chris Hughes said that the initial tender stage would be reached fairly soon and that contractors could be on site in September. Work was expected to take 12 to 14 months and the estimated completion time was spring 2009. The site around the museum would be closed off during construction, with the main drive closed. Access would be made available for Remembrance Sunday. The existing Friends of Clitheroe Castle group is to pursue charity status with the necessary changes to its constitution.
Keep facelift nears completion
Work to improve Clitheroe Castle Keep should be completed by the end of March. Archaeologists have been keeping a watching brief as the £80,000 scheme progresses. At a joint meeting of the Friends of Clitheroe Castle and Keepers of the Castle, those present were told that interesting finds had been made, mainly of pottery under the surface. More archaeological work will be carried out as the scheme, which is to incorporate floodlights around the structure, progresses. The full planning application for the major £3.2m scheme involving the museum, sound archives and associated buildings is currently going through the consultation process, which will include the committee for scheduled monuments.
Ribble Valley Borough Council's community development manager Chris Hughes said that the initial tender stage would be reached fairly soon and that contractors could be on site in September. Work was expected to take 12 to 14 months and the estimated completion time was spring 2009. The site around the museum would be closed off during construction, with the main drive closed. Access would be made available for Remembrance Sunday. The existing Friends of Clitheroe Castle group is to pursue charity status with the necessary changes to its constitution.
From the Lancashire Telegraph, 28th March 2007
£2m lottery grant joy
Work on a major historical regeneration scheme has taken a step nearer to starting after a £2million grant was officially approved. The National Lottery Heritage grant is a major boost for Ribble Valley Council, which needs need £3.2million for the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme.
Council chiefs now hope to raise the remaining £400,000 so that work can begin on the new facility that will include an education suite, exhibition space, interactive displays, a cafe and shops and disabled access.
The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Peter Robinson, who has championed the scheme, said: "This is absolutely fantastic news and the culmination of a lot of hard work by many dedicated people behind the scenes for several years. We are now on course to producing the one of the finest heritage sites in the North West."
Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble ValleyCouncil's community committee, said it will boost tourism, create jobs and revitalise the area economically and culturally.
He added: "Council officers have fought long and hard to bring this scheme to fruition and are to be congratulated for their fantastic efforts."
The Heritage Lottery Fund's Deputy Director of Operations, Stephen Boyce, said: "Towns and communities change over time, but landmarks like Clitheroe Castle are a visual reminder of our shared heritage and represent a thread of continuity through the ages."
When completed, it is hoped the castle will have the capacity to attract 17,000 visitors a year.
£2m lottery grant joy
Work on a major historical regeneration scheme has taken a step nearer to starting after a £2million grant was officially approved. The National Lottery Heritage grant is a major boost for Ribble Valley Council, which needs need £3.2million for the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme.
Council chiefs now hope to raise the remaining £400,000 so that work can begin on the new facility that will include an education suite, exhibition space, interactive displays, a cafe and shops and disabled access.
The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Peter Robinson, who has championed the scheme, said: "This is absolutely fantastic news and the culmination of a lot of hard work by many dedicated people behind the scenes for several years. We are now on course to producing the one of the finest heritage sites in the North West."
Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble ValleyCouncil's community committee, said it will boost tourism, create jobs and revitalise the area economically and culturally.
He added: "Council officers have fought long and hard to bring this scheme to fruition and are to be congratulated for their fantastic efforts."
The Heritage Lottery Fund's Deputy Director of Operations, Stephen Boyce, said: "Towns and communities change over time, but landmarks like Clitheroe Castle are a visual reminder of our shared heritage and represent a thread of continuity through the ages."
When completed, it is hoped the castle will have the capacity to attract 17,000 visitors a year.
From Clitheroe Today, 28th March 2007
Castle set to become top tourist attraction
We’ve done it! The Heritage Lottery Fund has released the remaining £2m., enabling the £3.2m. scheme to turn Clitheroe Castle into a premier all-weather visitor attraction to continue apace. It is without doubt the most ambitious scheme in the town's history and one that is expected to position the Castle Keep and Museum among the premier tourism attractions in the North West. Now it is all systems go with planning and listed building applications set to go before the council on Tuesday. Work could start in September.
The much anticipated announcement is excellent news for the Friends of Clitheroe Castle and the Keepers of the Castle. It also comes just days before what is expected to be a major fund-raising boost, Saturday's Castle Ball, organised by solicitor John Houldsworth and estate agent Ian Lloyd.
The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Peter Robinson, who has "championed" the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme, said: "This is absolutely fantastic news and the culmination of a lot of hard work by many dedicated people behind the scenes for several years. We are now on course to producing one of the finest heritage sites in the North West and I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support."
Coun. Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's Community Committee, added: "The Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme will boost tourism, create jobs and revitalise the area economically and culturally. Council officers have fought long and hard to bring this scheme to fruition and are to be congratulated for their fantastic efforts. Our thanks go to the Heritage Lottery Fund and all our funders for supporting this fantastic project."
The Heritage Lottery Fund's deputy director of operations, Stephen Boyce, said: "Towns and communities change over time, but landmarks like Clitheroe Castle are a visual reminder of our shared heritage and represent a thread of continuity through the ages. Today's news represents a green light to begin saving Clitheroe Castle and Museum for future generations. Transforming the site will breathe new life into the historic gem and bring history alive for locals and visitors alike."
Castle set to become top tourist attraction
We’ve done it! The Heritage Lottery Fund has released the remaining £2m., enabling the £3.2m. scheme to turn Clitheroe Castle into a premier all-weather visitor attraction to continue apace. It is without doubt the most ambitious scheme in the town's history and one that is expected to position the Castle Keep and Museum among the premier tourism attractions in the North West. Now it is all systems go with planning and listed building applications set to go before the council on Tuesday. Work could start in September.
The much anticipated announcement is excellent news for the Friends of Clitheroe Castle and the Keepers of the Castle. It also comes just days before what is expected to be a major fund-raising boost, Saturday's Castle Ball, organised by solicitor John Houldsworth and estate agent Ian Lloyd.
The High Sheriff of Lancashire, Peter Robinson, who has "championed" the Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme, said: "This is absolutely fantastic news and the culmination of a lot of hard work by many dedicated people behind the scenes for several years. We are now on course to producing one of the finest heritage sites in the North West and I would like to thank everyone for their tremendous support."
Coun. Robert Thompson, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council's Community Committee, added: "The Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme will boost tourism, create jobs and revitalise the area economically and culturally. Council officers have fought long and hard to bring this scheme to fruition and are to be congratulated for their fantastic efforts. Our thanks go to the Heritage Lottery Fund and all our funders for supporting this fantastic project."
The Heritage Lottery Fund's deputy director of operations, Stephen Boyce, said: "Towns and communities change over time, but landmarks like Clitheroe Castle are a visual reminder of our shared heritage and represent a thread of continuity through the ages. Today's news represents a green light to begin saving Clitheroe Castle and Museum for future generations. Transforming the site will breathe new life into the historic gem and bring history alive for locals and visitors alike."
From the Clitheroe Advertiser, 9th April 2007
Castle renovation scheme gets green light
A £3.2 million scheme to transform Clitheroe Castle and Museum into a premier all-weather visitor attraction has take a step nearer reality, with plans for the work formally approved.
The Clitheroe Advertiser revealed that the Heritage Lottery Fund had released the crucial £2m. enabling the scheme to go ahead. Funding from various other sources means the shortfall is now around £400,000, with several initiatives ongoing to bridge that gap. However, planning permission and listed building consent were also needed for the work to proceed.
When Ribble Valley Borough Council's planning committee met, chief planning office John Machol told members: "This project represents the last opportunity available to the borough council to transform the site into a quality facility for local people and visitors alike. Without the external investment we would have serious concerns over the condition of the buildings on the site and their ability to carry out their existing functions. If the borough council were to invest its own contribution to the scheme it would merely make the buildings watertight. There would be no additional funding to improve the museum or sound archive, or to convert the stable block for alternative use. The lack of upgraded exhibitions, environmental conditions and access would put the future of the museum at significant risk."
The plans before members had several elements, comprising:
• extensive restoration and improvement of the Grade II listed museum, sound archive building, former stables and outbuildings
• a new two-storey glass atrium linking the historic buildings
• comprehensive remodelling and landscaping of the Clitheroe Castle site to enable greater public access.
Once completed, the new facilities will include increased exhibition space with state-of-the-art interactive displays, better facilities for the disabled and a new retail area and café. However, some aspects of the scheme have raised objections.
A spokesman for Clitheroe Civic Society told councillors it was strongly opposed to the planned glass atrium. She said it was unnecessary, architecturally undesirable and possibly illegal, as it would cross a public right of way. She warned members that a heavy weight of responsiblity rested on their shoulders that night, as they were dealing with a 12th century scheduled ancient monument.
"You are acting on behalf of the nation as a whole," she said, asking members "how will you go down in history?"
Councillor Stephen Sutcliffe admitted he was "not a great enthusiast for the link building" as he considered it "lightweight in construction and vulnerable to vandalism".
However, he was prepared to set those reservations aside and propose approval of the plans due to the immense benefits the overall scheme would bring.
"Something needs to be done to maintain and improve the buildings already there and if this doesn't go through it is hard to see how that will happen," he said.
Members were unanimous in approving the plans before them and granting listed building consent for the work to proceed.
Castle renovation scheme gets green light
A £3.2 million scheme to transform Clitheroe Castle and Museum into a premier all-weather visitor attraction has take a step nearer reality, with plans for the work formally approved.
The Clitheroe Advertiser revealed that the Heritage Lottery Fund had released the crucial £2m. enabling the scheme to go ahead. Funding from various other sources means the shortfall is now around £400,000, with several initiatives ongoing to bridge that gap. However, planning permission and listed building consent were also needed for the work to proceed.
When Ribble Valley Borough Council's planning committee met, chief planning office John Machol told members: "This project represents the last opportunity available to the borough council to transform the site into a quality facility for local people and visitors alike. Without the external investment we would have serious concerns over the condition of the buildings on the site and their ability to carry out their existing functions. If the borough council were to invest its own contribution to the scheme it would merely make the buildings watertight. There would be no additional funding to improve the museum or sound archive, or to convert the stable block for alternative use. The lack of upgraded exhibitions, environmental conditions and access would put the future of the museum at significant risk."
The plans before members had several elements, comprising:
• extensive restoration and improvement of the Grade II listed museum, sound archive building, former stables and outbuildings
• a new two-storey glass atrium linking the historic buildings
• comprehensive remodelling and landscaping of the Clitheroe Castle site to enable greater public access.
Once completed, the new facilities will include increased exhibition space with state-of-the-art interactive displays, better facilities for the disabled and a new retail area and café. However, some aspects of the scheme have raised objections.
A spokesman for Clitheroe Civic Society told councillors it was strongly opposed to the planned glass atrium. She said it was unnecessary, architecturally undesirable and possibly illegal, as it would cross a public right of way. She warned members that a heavy weight of responsiblity rested on their shoulders that night, as they were dealing with a 12th century scheduled ancient monument.
"You are acting on behalf of the nation as a whole," she said, asking members "how will you go down in history?"
Councillor Stephen Sutcliffe admitted he was "not a great enthusiast for the link building" as he considered it "lightweight in construction and vulnerable to vandalism".
However, he was prepared to set those reservations aside and propose approval of the plans due to the immense benefits the overall scheme would bring.
"Something needs to be done to maintain and improve the buildings already there and if this doesn't go through it is hard to see how that will happen," he said.
Members were unanimous in approving the plans before them and granting listed building consent for the work to proceed.
From This Is Lancashire, 24th May 2007
Big switch-on lights up historic castle
The new mayor of Ribble Valley, Coun Doreen Taylor, and High Sheriff of Lancashire Peter Robinson, switched on the solar-panelled floodlights around Clitheroe Castle's keep. The ceremony, marked with a fireworks display, was held to mark the completion of the first stage of the £3.2million Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme that will see major renovation work take place over the next 18 months. The Norman keep, which forms the heart of the castle, has had the old footpath resurfaced and a new one constructed extending out around the castle.
Big switch-on lights up historic castle
The new mayor of Ribble Valley, Coun Doreen Taylor, and High Sheriff of Lancashire Peter Robinson, switched on the solar-panelled floodlights around Clitheroe Castle's keep. The ceremony, marked with a fireworks display, was held to mark the completion of the first stage of the £3.2million Clitheroe Castle Heritage Scheme that will see major renovation work take place over the next 18 months. The Norman keep, which forms the heart of the castle, has had the old footpath resurfaced and a new one constructed extending out around the castle.
From “This is Lancashire”, 5th November 2007
Castle calls up special forces
Work on the £3.2million restoration project at Clitheroe Castle has moved a step closer following the appointment of a contractor.
Historic buildings specialist William Anelay Ltd has won the contract for the heritage scheme, which will see the Norman keep refurbished and is the biggest heritage project in the North West. William Anelay Ltd, which employs 110 staff at offices in York and Manchester, will renovate the museum and construct an atrium joining it to the nearby North West Sound Archive.
Ribble Valley Council's community development manager, Chris Hughes, who is spearheading the scheme, said: "William Anelay has a fantastic track record in the restoration of fine and historic buildings, and we are delighted to be working with them."
It is expected that the castle site will reopen in March 2009.
Castle calls up special forces
Work on the £3.2million restoration project at Clitheroe Castle has moved a step closer following the appointment of a contractor.
Historic buildings specialist William Anelay Ltd has won the contract for the heritage scheme, which will see the Norman keep refurbished and is the biggest heritage project in the North West. William Anelay Ltd, which employs 110 staff at offices in York and Manchester, will renovate the museum and construct an atrium joining it to the nearby North West Sound Archive.
Ribble Valley Council's community development manager, Chris Hughes, who is spearheading the scheme, said: "William Anelay has a fantastic track record in the restoration of fine and historic buildings, and we are delighted to be working with them."
It is expected that the castle site will reopen in March 2009.
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