Morgan Sindall has started work to recreate the original 12th-century layout of Norwich Castle’s keep and make all five levels fully accessible, as part of a £13.5m heritage project.
The work is set to involve:
- The recreation of the Norman interior spaces of the keep through reinstating the original principal floor level. This will enable the interpretation of the keep as it appeared during its heyday under the Norman kings, including the recreation of the Great Hall, King’s chamber and chapel
- The construction of a viewing platform at battlement level which will offer views of medieval and present-day Norwich
- The installation of a new lift to ensure that all five levels of the keep are fully accessible
- The development of a new medieval gallery, designed in partnership with the British Museum, that will showcase national medieval treasures
- The creation of dedicated learning spaces, including a multi-sensory area for early years audiences
- The creation of new visitor and school entrances including a glass atrium which will afford clear views of the keep’s East façade and Bigod Tower, from inside the Museum
- The development of new visitor facilities including a new café overlooking the atrium with an internal glass bridge into the keep, and a new shop
- Upgraded toilets.
Work will adhere to the government’s covid-19 safety protocols, while the rest of the Norwich Castle site remains open.
The construction works will be undertaken in two phases with the new entrance spaces completed first, followed by the work on the keep itself.
Area director for Morgan Sindall Construction, Alister Broadberry said: “We are extremely proud to have secured the Norwich Castle project. It is one of the most prestigious buildings in the East of England and our team is excited to create an environment that will inspire each and every museum visitor.
“Our purpose is about enriching lives and communities, so the commitments we have made on this project around social value investment are just as important as the project itself. Together with the customer team, we are determined to leave a positive legacy here both in the museum and the community around us.”
