A groundbreaking ceremony has been held at Nottingham Castle to begin a £29.4million transformation of the major tourist attraction – part-funded by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Nottingham Castle, a major tourist attraction, is currently closed for a redevelopment; which will include the Ducal Palace and grounds, and the sprawling cave systems hidden beneath the Castle. The site is expected to re-open to the public in 2020.
D2N2 – the business-led Local Enterprise Partnership which promotes economic growth across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire – is investing £7m in the Nottingham Castle project; £5m via its Local Growth Fund allocation and £2m from its Enterprise Zone business rates income. Funding is also being provided by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, Nottingham Castle Trust and Nottingham City Council.
The Visitor Economy and tourism is one of D2N2’s eight key sectors; commercial sectors in which the D2N2 LEP area already has or could develop a competitive advantage over other areas.
Sajeeda Rose, Interim Chief Executive of the D2N2 LEP, was invited to yesterday’s (November 5) groundbreaking ceremony (pictured far left, at ceremony) to mark the official start of the major works at Nottingham Castle. The main contractor for the project is Derbyshire-based firm GF Tomlinson.
Sajeeda said: “The D2N2 LEP is proud to be involved as a funder and supporter on this project, helping to bring Nottingham’s history and heritage to life.
“The Visitor Economy is one of D2N2’s eight key sectors for our area of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire; and we are pleased to see progress being made on the project, which is already supporting local jobs through the redevelopment.”
Local Enterprise Partnerships are playing a vital role in driving forward economic growth across the country, helping to build a country that works for everyone. That’s why by 2021 Government will have invested over £12billion through the Local Growth Fund, allowing LEPs to use their local knowledge to get all areas of the country firing on all cylinders. Analysis has shown that every £1 of Local Growth Fund invested could generate £4.81 in benefits.
For more on how the D2N2 LEP is using its Local Growth Fund allocation to boost its area’s economy see web link www.d2n2lep.org/Local-Growth-Fund
Media wanting more information about the D2N2 LEP can contact Sean Kirby, D2N2 Communications Manager, on 0115 9578749 or email: sean.kirby@d2n2lep.org
