FWA appointed to Tamworth Castle
We are delighted to announce our appointment as the main contractor for a £1 million regeneration project of Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire.
The medieval castle has been a symbol of Tamworth for hundreds of years and is a popular visitor attraction. After successfully securing a Heritage Lottery Fund bid, major improvements to key areas of the building can now go ahead.
Councillor Steve Claymore, portfolio holder for Tamworth Castle, remarked:
“I am delighted that work is now underway on the castle. Along with essential work to the perimeter walkway and access, we will also be able to improve the facilities and update the interpretation on offer to all visitors. This work will ensure that one of our most precious assets and attractions is maintained for the enjoyment of many generations to come. Thank you to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Tamworth Borough Council and Friends of the Castle for providing the necessary funding and to our castle staff and volunteers for making this work possible.”
Recently the FWA Conservation team held a workshop, bringing together the staff at Tamworth Castle with FWA’s personnel, designers and key stakeholders. The aim was to create a cohesive team before the work began. And the event was very successful with castles being built and friendly sword fights taking place! On a more serious note, thoughts, concerns and opinions were shared and the result will hopefully be a strong working relationship and perhaps even some new friendships.
Chris Maryon, Conservation Director of FWA, commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to be extending our specialist conservation services to another wonderful castle and to see the further geographical expansion of the FWA business. My team are excited by the opportunity of working on such a historically significant structure. We look forward to working closely with the client and design team to preserve this castle for the enjoyment of its visitors for many years to come. This project falls perfectly within our skills set: a project led by a team of directly employed managers, ‘in house’ craftspeople and trusted supply chain partners who between them share a wealth of experience and knowledge working on some of our greatest national treasures.”
The project of works will include conserving and improving key areas of the castle complex including the inner bailey, 900-year-old motte and the beautiful courtyard. We will be adding new toilets – highly anticipated by the staff at Tamworth! – displays and interpretation to bring the castle to life, as well as improved access so that more people can enjoy this fascinating heritage site.
FWA is pleased to be sub-contracting elements of the work to local companies, including Tamworth Scaffolding who will run all the scaffold works; Midland Electrical Supplies to complete electrical works; Hydro of Sutton Coldfield for mechanical works, and Southmill of Lichfield for ground works.
FWA Conservation is honoured to be a part of this project, our first in the West Midlands.
What a great start!
