Nottingham Castle Trust has begun the process of appointing liquidators, with the Castle grounds and exhibitions closing to all visitors until further notice.
Tim Bateson and Chris Pole of Interpath Advisory have been nominated by the board to be appointed as liquidators to formally wind up the affairs of the Trust. Their appointment will take place during the course of the next ten days.
A statement from Nottingham Castle says: “We would like to thank all the Castle’s supporters, including the thousands of visitors that have been through our gates. Finally, a huge thank you to staff and volunteers who made Nottingham Castle such an amazing place to visit.”
The news follows work to transform the castle, with a £31m redevelopment project including the refurbishment of the 17th century Ducal Palace, medieval Gatehouse, and sprawling cave networks. A new Visitor Centre, located within the foreground of the remodelled landscape, meanwhile, was created to provide new guest facilities.
Visitor numbers have been lower than anticipated, while the Trust has seen a number of controversies.
Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture & planning, Cllr Pavlos Kotsonis, said: “It is a matter of huge disappointment that Nottingham Castle Trust, which has been responsible for operating Nottingham Castle, has informed us that in light of its trading performance, it is in the process of appointing liquidators and closing the site, which it will be handing back to the council.
“This is clearly a significant blow for the city and its visitor economy. The council’s immediate priority is to work with the appointed liquidators to support those staff at the Castle who have been affected by this sad news, and to safeguard the site and its collections while it is not operational.
“We appreciate the significant efforts that the employees of the Trust have put into the site and understand how devastated they must be by this news.
“We will re-open the castle as soon as possible. Once we have a clearer picture from the liquidators, we will explore all available options together with our key partners The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and others to develop a fresh business model.
“There is a real commitment from all parties to see this important cultural asset fulfil its full potential for the city and the wider region as a successful visitor attraction, playing a key part in our wider plans to bring investment, jobs, visitors and growth to Nottingham and its residents.”
