The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. They recognise outstanding achievement, teamwork and companies.
Nottingham Castle was submitted for the award by architects, master planners and heritage consultants Purcell, who highlighted their remarkable work to transform the Castle. Purcell led both the conservation management plan and subsequent design that has preserved, restored and enhanced the site, safeguarding its future.
The project included the refurbishment of the 17th century Ducal Palace, medieval Gatehouse, and sprawling cave networks. A new Visitor Centre, located within the foreground of the remodelled landscape, provides new guest facilities. The site was recognised for successfully creating a vibrant and accessible space which contributes to the Castle’s important cultural role in the city.
Zoë Skelding, Partner at Purcell, said: “The works conducted at Nottingham Castle celebrate the site’s diverse heritage in a compelling and engaging way that reflects its national and global significance, and we are delighted that the RICS have acknowledged its remarkable transformation.
“Our team worked closely with Nottingham City Council and its partners to restore and reimagine the site to conserve its historic fabric and enhance the visitor experience, safeguarding it for future generations. Sensitive conservation, contemporary new-build and sustainable technologies have been blended seamlessly to restore the Castle as a flagship for the City and a catalyst for its regeneration.”
In granting the Award to Nottingham Castle, the RICS Judges commented that: “This project is a well-considered and executed revitalisation of a much-loved community asset, which has been saved for the benefit of many and will bring visitors to the city.”
The work at Nottingham Castle will now go on to compete at the national Grand Final in London on 21 October this year.
David Johns, interim CEO at Nottingham Castle Trust, said: “Congratulations to Purcell, Nottingham Castle Transformation Team and everyone involved in the restoration of Nottingham Castle which reflects the grand scale of what has been achieved. It’s our privilege to occupy a place with spaces so wonderfully designed and detailed for our visitors to experience.”
Councillor Pavlos Kotsonis, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Planning at Nottingham City Council said: “We’re delighted that the work to transform Nottingham Castle has received this recognition which is a testament to the ambition, skill and teamwork of all involved over the past few years.
“Due to this transformation work we now have a Castle we can be truly proud of, showcasing Nottingham’s 1,000 years of history and providing a local as well as international heritage attraction”.
The work recognised by RICS was partly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership, Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Castle Trust, the project brings to life the Castle’s architecture, heritage and significance, and the role it has played in the United Kingdom.
