Planning permission has been granted to replace a castle gateway bridge to create a wider approach to the historic site as part of a £21 million regeneration project.
As part of the works at Grade I-listed Tamworth Castle, the former Nationwide Building Society building will be demolished – with the branch set to move into the nearby former Peel Café, an 18th century building which was redeveloped last year.
The work, which is set to start in January, has been planned in consultation with Historic England, Tamworth Borough Council’s conservation officer and the Staffordshire County Council’s historic environment team, with the new bridge following the same route as before using the existing pad stone foundations.
Town centre businesses remain open throughout the work and a temporary walking diversion will be signposted around the town.
The works are part of Tamworth Borough Council’s Future High Streets Fund project, which features a range of improvements including a new enterprise centre in the 19th century former Co-operative building on Colehill, and Middle Entry renovations which will see some vacant units demolished to be replaced by a new flexible, multi-use building, for independent small businesses.
In addition, South Staffordshire College is also building a new college facility replacing the demolished 1960s part of the Co-op building. Together both projects deliver a combined investment of over £40 million in Tamworth town centre.
Councillor Carol Dean, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “It’s good to see the work for the finished design of the castle gateway has been approved, and our ambitious plans for this area will start taking shape.
“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.
“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.”
- Daily Focus recently reported that the 1,000-year-old Tamworth Castle had been added to the Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register due its history of structural movement, with extensive repairs required. Read that story here.
