PLANS are being drawn up for a major revamp of Raby Castle’s park and gardens including a new visitor centre, along with space for events, exhibitions, concerts and seasonal markets.
There will also be a children’s play area and the gardens will be re-landscaped.
The aim is to “significantly” increase visitor numbers and put the 14th century castle firmly on the North East’s tourism trail.
Raby Estates has appointed a number of top designers and architects to work on the scheme, including Francis Maude, of Donald Insall Associates, Luciano Giubbilei and Alistair W Baldwin Associates.
Duncan Peake, chief executive at Raby Estates, said: “Raby has a long-term objective to significantly expand the visitor offer at Raby Castle, park and gardens, bringing jobs and economic benefits across the county.
“More visitors also means that we can share Raby’s history with a wider range of people and support maintenance and restoration of our historic buildings.
“The proposals are far-reaching and will be phased to allow for staged investment.”
He added: “At the centre of the site, a new circular visitor centre will provide information about Raby and orientate visitors.
“The main walled gardens will be re-landscaped, retaining key historic attributes such as the splendid yew hedges and water features. The grade II* Coach House, already open to the public, will be re-purposed to create spaces for interpreting the history of Raby, classroom space and retail displays for estate and local produce.
“The Riding School will form a magnificent venue for events and exhibitions of all kinds and the rarely seen Dutch barn behind provides a perfect setting for a covered seasonal market.”
Mr Peake added: “The plans will include a high-quality and bespoke children’s play area located within the old tree nursery to the north of the proposed car park.”
He said the gardens will be laid out “to provide both quiet contemplation and spaces to host concerts” .
“Not surprisingly, the outbreak of coronavirus has slowed progress over the last few weeks but once life at Raby gets back to normal, plans will be reassessed and revised timescales for the developments will be communicated,” Mr Peake said.
The development would be funded by building housing in Gainford and Staindrop on Raby land – schemes announced last year.
“Our design team has found it invaluable to share their proposals with residents and discuss them in person, listening to concerns and sharing the thought process behind the designs,” said Mr Peake. “The architectural approach respects local style and vernacular and, once submitted, the planning application will be available to view online. The buildings are characterised by simple detailing taking inspiration from existing buildings within the village.
“The houses and apartments will be built from local sandstone or render, picking up the local colour palette. Roofs will be either clay pantiles or slate with careful consideration given where each material is used.
“Doors and windows will be authentically detailed and well proportioned.”
Meanwhile, before its temporary closure in March due to the coronavirus outbreak, refurbishment work had begun at High Force Hotel to update five more bedrooms, bringing the number of rooms to 11.
