Tamworth Borough Council has appointed specialist conservation firm Messenger to carry out the crucial £1.9 million restoration project that will help safeguard the future of Tamworth Castle.
The scheme, backed by £1,716,238 from Arts Council England's Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) and £190,695 from Tamworth Borough Council, will finance urgent structural work to protect the historic castle and the museum collections it holds.
Messenger boasts considerable expertise in the restoration of historic buildings, with a dedicated in-house team focused on protecting and preserving heritage assets. The firm has completed conservation projects at a number of prominent heritage sites, including Leicester Cathedral, Weeting Castle and Earlham Hall, and is currently undertaking restoration works at Newark Castle Gatehouse.
As principal contractor, Messenger will operate as part of a broader project team of industry specialists who will oversee the extensive and complex programme.
Restoration Focus
The restoration will concentrate on repairing historic drainage systems, stabilising areas of structural movement, rectifying unsafe masonry, carrying out significant roof repairs on the south wing and enhancing environmental conditions for museum collections, including items from the treasured Staffordshire Hoard. The intention is for the work to be undertaken in carefully structured phases, enabling the castle to stay open throughout the majority of the project. Wherever feasible, visitors will be offered chances to observe and interact with the conservation work directly.
Council and Contractor Comments
Councillor Lewis Smith, Tamworth Borough Council's portfolio holder for people services, engagement and leisure, said: "Appointing Messenger is a significant step for the project. Their specialist conservation expertise, combined with an understanding of how to work with historic buildings of this complexity, gives us real confidence as we move into the next phase.
"This is not a straightforward construction project, it will require a collaborative approach from a wide team of specialists, working together to give our castle the love and care it needs, while keeping as much of it open to visitors as possible. Messenger demonstrated a strong appreciation of those challenges and how to manage them. We're looking forward to welcoming the team on site in the coming weeks to begin this vital programme of work, which will help protect both the building and the important collections it houses for generations to come."
Ian Bird, regional director of Messenger, said: "It's a real privilege to work on a local building of this stature both for our management team and local workforce. Repairing and conserving these buildings is vitally important and will give us an opportunity to engage with local people and the construction college to help train and expose students to this little-known construction sector. We look forward to working with the castle staff and project team in delivering long lasting solutions to some of the current problems faced with the castle."
History and Heritage
Tamworth Castle has been a focal point of the town for nearly 1,000 years. From its beginnings as a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress to a medieval stronghold, a gentry residence and ultimately a public museum, it has transformed continuously over the centuries. Throughout its history, the structure has been influenced by successive layers of modification, alongside the impact of weather, climate change, structural movement and the passage of time.
It was added to the Heritage at Risk Register in December 2023, helping to emphasise its national importance and enable the comprehensive investigations that resulted in the successful MEND funding application. With that funding secured, the underlying structural issues causing visible damage throughout the building can now be tackled.
Long-Term Commitment
Caring for the Castle represents a long-term pledge to understanding, maintaining and safeguarding the building for future generations. An initial meeting has now taken place, with contractors anticipated to commence work on site in the coming weeks. Progress updates will be shared as the restoration work advances. For further details and to keep up with the project, visit: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/caring-castle
Caption: Picture shows Lara Rowe with team members from Messenger conservation contractors, Donald Insall Architects and Pulse Consult quantity surveyors.
