Issue 45 Feb 25 web - Flipbook - Page 88
This award-winning project exemplifies how sensitive
architectural conservation and thoughtful design can
drive substantial community benefits, making Auckland
Castle a model for heritage-led regeneration projects.
The approach to the building is intuitive, marked by grand
gates and entrance porch. Entry is now via automatic
sliding glazed doors, carefully considered for inclusive
access provision whist also buffering environmental
conditions. New lifts were sensitively introduced into
historical vertical circulation cores, allowing for inclusive
visitor routes through the building, befitting the castle’s
significant processional route which can now be appreciated by all visitors. Our proposals addressed a lack of
inclusive visitor facilities and complex level changes by
increasing accessibility and connectivity between existing
spaces, to form a collection of visitor facilities at ground
floor level capable of serving the expected increase in
visitor numbers.
A catalyst for regeneration
The castle now attracts a significant number of visitors,
with 388,000 visits recorded, including 320,000 from
outside the local area and nearly 230,000 from outside
County Durham. The total visitor spend is estimated at
£16.9 million, with expenditures on travel, accommodation, and local services further boosting the local economy. The combined gross economic impact of the site,
including visitor and volunteer contributions, is estimated
at £158 million, with a net impact of £42 million in Bishop
Auckland and £65 million across County Durham.
Above, James Wyatt’s screen leading into the forecourt of the Castle
(c) Paul White
Since its completion, Auckland Castle has served as a
catalyst for further regeneration initiatives in the area,
inspiring additional investments and community projects
aimed at enhancing the town’s social and economic
landscape. Several high-profile architectural award wins
(The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Conservation and Northeast Project of the Year Awards)
help increase national attention that shines a light on the
ongoing community revitalisation.
Above, courtyard Garden at Auckland Castle (c) Paul White
Below, the ornate ceiling of St. Peter's Chapel, Auckland Castle (c) Paul White
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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