Castle conversion plan unveiled

Cardigan castle was bought from a private owner four years ago

A multi-million pound action plan has been unveiled to breathe new life into a derelict 12th Century castle in Ceredigion and open it to the public.

The project to convert Cardigan castle and its buildings has been approved by Ceredigion Council which owns it.

Plans include opening a heritage centre, a Welsh language school, a cafe and some self-catering accommodation.

The castle featured in the BBC's Restoration series in 2004, but failed to make the final.

A few weeks later Ceredigion Council received more than £200,000 in grants to help restore the old building.

Then, two years ago, plans to transform it into a museum of Welsh paintings fell through.

'Metal props'

Recently, Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust, set up to safeguard the castle, has been working with The Prince's Regeneration Trust and the council.

Prince Charles visited the castle last year.

Fred Taggart, projects director for The Prince's Regeneration Trust, said: "For decades Cardigan castle has been hidden from view, and visitors to the town have been greeted only by the vast metal props holding up the walls.

"The Prince's Regeneration Trust has been delighted to help the Cadwgan trust develop this action plan to conserve the site, bring the buildings back into use, and open the castle to the public.

"It will be a great new visitor attraction. This decision by Ceredigion Council unlocks the situation and The Prince of Wales will be delighted to hear about the progress being made."

The castle, which is believed to have hosted the first eisteddfod in 1176, was bought from a private owner by Ceredigion Council in 2003 for £500,000.

The plans include applying for funding from the Welsh Assembly Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.