Media 2012 Press Releases

Topping out ceremony for Rotherham’s new visitor centre - 3/2/2012

A £900,000 renovation to transform Boston Castle into a new visitor centre and community facility has reached a major milestone as the Mayor of Rotherham is invited to a topping out ceremony.

The ceremony, taking place on 6 February 2012, marks completion to the Grade II listed castle’s roof allowing for the internal renovation including exhibition areas, an education room and a roof level viewing platform to press on.

Since 2009 global multi-disciplinary consultancy, WYG, has been working on behalf of Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to help save the semi-derelict castle providing full design and mechanical and electrical advice.  This has included WYG’s specialists drawing up concept and detailed designs, undertaking feasibility analysis of the proposed renovations and site inspections.

Andy Briggs, Director, WYG said: “It is great to start seeing the plans come to life.  The ceremony really does mark the renovation moving forward and highlights the hard work that has already taken place.  It makes such a difference to the building now the roof is complete and other work is well underway - Rotherham residents can now start to visualise how the revitalised Boston Castle will look when completed.

“We are continuing to work with the Council throughout construction of the project on areas we have provided designs and look forward to seeing the castle when it is fully restored.”

Renovation of the castle, including a new extension, was made possible through funding from Rotherham Borough Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Biffaward grants.  Visitors will be able to explore the heritage of the Victorian park as well as take advantage of other facilities such as a function room and an outside performance space.

Councillor Amy Rushworth, Cabinet member for Lifelong Learning and Culture and Chairman of the Boston Castle Project Board, said:  “The castle is of historic importance to Rotherham.

“It is a major landmark which deserves to be restored to its former glory.  It will be splendid to see its regeneration as it will be hugely valuable in terms of educational activities.”

The development is anticipated to be completed by spring 2012.