Castle Hill’s Victoria Tower could get a £500,000-plus boost.
As part of Kirklees Council’s bid to develop public facilities, the authority is seeking a grant “in excess” of half a million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Council papers say the site is in need of “significant investment” and the Heritage Lottery Fund have awarded a Stage 1 pass for major refurbishment works on the Victoria Tower.
First the Huddersfield Area Committee members will be asked to put £10,000 to assist the council in making the application.
The works required include:
Structural repairs to the tower,
Installation of toilets,
A community archaeology project,
A range of enhancements to the site including refurbished kiosk to maximise income from visitors, improved displays and interpretation to explain the site’s heritage.
Kirklees has been in talks with the Castle Hill Management Advisory Group, English Heritage and West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service.
This means that the council will be submitting a second round bid application to Heritage Lottery Fund early next year.
However, it is dependent on carrying out enabling works on the tower, working up detailed plans and securing matched funding support.
The money required from the Huddersfield Area Committee at Tuesday’s meeting will be used as match funding to draw down the remaining grant.
Ward councillors, Phil Scott and Linda Wilkinson, have lent their support to the proposal.
Clr Linda Wilkinson (Lib Dem, Almondbury) said: “Castle Hill is Kirklees’ most iconic landmark and has required investment for a long time.
“The problems that have beset the site are well documented and a massive frustration to local people, my colleagues and to me.
“Needless to say we are really pleased about this proposed bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund.
“It will allow us to improve what is available to the public at the Tower itself.
“And while it is not the solution to all of the problems, it is a big step in the right direction, enhancing the good work already done by the rangers, volunteers and the Castle Hill Advisory Group.”
