BOSSES at Queen’s University and Bader College, the owners of Herstmonceux Castle, have shown plans to make the historic building and gardens a key visitor attraction for Sussex.
At an exclusive VIP event recently, ambitious plans were presented after the castle was forced to close in 2023, due to safety concerns, after structural issues were found. More than £3m is currently being spent on major renovations to the front (south) of the building.
The castle was built in 1441 and was renovated in the 1920s, and it’s those renovations that have caused many of the problems, according to structural engineers who presented an update at the event.
Contractors have used state-of-the-art 3D modelling to identify what repairs are needed whilst strict archaeological recordings took place during the works. Special conditions had to be created to allow workers to use ‘lime water mortar’, which will only set in certain temperatures. This gave the team many challenges whilst the renovations took place over the winter months.
Engineers tackled structural concerns with the gatehouse and parapets, cracking to the towers, decay of stone and brickwork, damp and defective windows and roofs. It is hoped the repairs will be completed in October.
The information event saw presentations from castle staff and contractors who will head up the plans, which include a new farm shop, accommodation, cafe, retreats, new membership options, longer opening and land renovation.
There were encouraging signs over the future of the Observatory Science Centre, which was told last year its lease would not be extended past 2026. Thousands of residents have appealed to the owners to keep the attraction open.
After the event, bosses exclusively told Hailsham News: “We are in advanced discussions on an extension to the lease of the Observatory Science Centre.”
The University, which runs Bader College, made the urgent decision to return its students to Ontario, after parts of the building were found to be unsafe. There are now plans to welcome students back from not only Canada, but also other parts of the world.
Community volunteering will also be a big part of the future of the estate, according to Dean Pascall, the director of the estate. With plans to return much of the surrounding land to its former glory, Dean says getting the local community involved and allowing volunteers to develop their skills would be a positive move forward.
MP for Bexhill and Battle, Kieran Mullan, who attended the event, told Hailsham News: “Queen’s University has got such an important local asset for the community, and they’ve got really exciting plans. I think local people will be really pleased with what they are getting involved with.
“It is obviously a huge investment for the castle, and that’s unusual nowadays. I think it really demonstrates the commitment that the university has to the castle, because these things are not cheap.”
Concluding the event, Mr Pascoe told visitors: “Whether you’re a local leader, businessperson, donor or neighbour, we invite you to join us on this journey from today.”
Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader purchased the castle and donated it to Queen’s University 1993.
