- Walkway to be made wider, opening to views of the castle walls from the town centre
- Former 1970s Nationwide Building Society building to be demolished
- Town centre businesses remain open throughout the work
Tamworth Borough Council’s ambitious regeneration project continues with work to improve the walkway between the castle grounds and town centre commencing from 3 March.
As part of the Future High Street Fund town centre regeneration programme, the castle gateway will help create a better entrance between the Castle Grounds and the town centre, allowing views of the castle walls from the town.
During this work, the bridge into the castle grounds will be closed for an estimated period of six months. Signs will show you the alternative routes while the work is happening.
The old Nationwide Building Society building, which was built in the 1970s, is being knocked down to make space for a new, open space and wider bridge. This will make it much easier for everyone to get into the castle grounds from the town centre. You’ll also be able to see much more of the castle and castle walls from the town centre.
The work is challenging as specialist care needs to be taken due to the close location of the scheduled monument and castle walls. There are also National Grid power cables under the bridge, so extra diligence and work is necessary.
Throughout all the work, though there will be disruption, Tamworth town centre, castle and market remain ready to welcome visitors for shopping, socialising and leisure.
The new planned bridge will be wider and allow easy access between the town centre and the Castle Grounds, using the same route as before with the existing pad stone foundations.
The heritage and conservation officer has been consulted throughout the planning permission process and considered the impact of the proposal on the significance of heritage assets. The improvements allow for better appreciation of the historic castle and grounds, and by widening this space and the bridge, it increases accessibility and provides a high-quality landscaping and planting area.
Tamworth Borough Council’s ambitious £21million regeneration plan to transform the town centre into the busy, thriving heart of the community continue, delivering:
- A new enterprise /business centre in the original 19th Century former Co-operative building on Colehill.
- Restoration and refurbishment of the historic vacant properties on Market Street (opposite Peel Café) and creating a wider footbridge into the castle grounds.
- New flexible, multi-use building for independent small businesses, near Middle Entry and the Town Hall.
- Public realm works, including within St Editha’s Square that will link all the projects together.
Additionally, South Staffordshire College is progressing with building a new college facility replacing the demolished 1960s part of the Co-op building. Together both projects deliver a combined investment of over £40million in Tamworth town centre.
Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “It’s good to see the work for the new castle gateway project will start next month, and our ambitious plans for this area will begin to take shape. With two of the regeneration projects now complete, and this next stage of work will really start to bring the final projects together.
“This work has been agreed in full consultation with Historic England, Tamworth Borough Council’s conservation officer and the Staffordshire County Council Historic Environment Team.
“Construction of the works will require Market Street to be used for deliveries which will be managed effectively, with a compound temporarily set up in the castle grounds to help facilitate.
“We know this work will cause some disruption and we thank residents and visitors for their patience while we make these important improvements.
“The new gateway will enhance the significance of both the existing grade II listed buildings on Market Street, our grade 1 listed castle, and the existing character and appearance of the conservation area.
“This work is part of our Future High Street Fund project. Our ambition for the town centre is substantial, yes it does mean further disruption in the short term as we transform the town centre into a vibrant, thriving place that meets the needs of residents, visitors and local businesses.
“Throughout all work, the town and market will be very much active, and I’d urge everyone to continue to support our local businesses and shop, socialise and visit the town centre.”
Notes to editors:
See our website and previous press releases for further information about Tamworth’s Future High Streets Fund project.