The cost of a major restoration project at Norwich Castle, which aims to revitalize parts of the 900-year-old landmark, has significantly increased as the project nears completion.

Initially budgeted at around £18 million, the Royal Palace Reborn scheme now requires £27.5 million.

Norfolk County Council (NCC) has proposed allocating additional funds to cover the rising expenses. Work on the Grade I-listed keep began in 2020, but after facing multiple delays, it is now expected to open to the public next spring.

The renovation will feature a new glass atrium, offering visitors a fresh perspective of the historic keep. However, the project has encountered numerous challenges, including a leaking roof and the unexpected discovery of hidden Norman and Victorian features. Additional complications arose from the Covid pandemic and disruptions in steel supplies linked to the war in Ukraine.

To address the increased costs, NCC plans to redirect £4.7 million from existing budgets. This includes £2.75 million initially allocated for developing an energy park in Great Yarmouth and £1.99 million from future highways projects. The council acknowledges that some road projects may be postponed as a result.

Andrew Jamieson, Conservative councillor and deputy council leader, emphasized the long-term benefits of the project: “We expect this project's impact to go far beyond the walls of the keep. The reborn castle will attract visitors from around the world, enhancing Norfolk’s cultural and heritage reputation for decades.”

The project is largely funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, NCC, various grants, and public donations. Cabinet members are set to decide on the proposed budget increase on 4 November. Photo by Draco2008 from UK, Wikimedia commons.