National Conservation and Regeneration Award for Hylton Castle

The accolade follows the projects regional win of the Conservation and Regeneration award at the end of last year, recognising the work of the partnership involving Sunderland City Council, The Friends of Hylton Castle and Dene, National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Garfield and Wolfson Foundations, English Heritage and Historic England.

The Hylton Castle Project won the award against 6 other nominees, who were each put forward after winning their regional rounds. The Chief Executive of Constructing Excellence in the North East, Catriona Lingwood, described all submissions as exceptional.

The award acknowledges the long-term vision of the Friends of Hylton Castle and Dene who have pushed the project for over 25 years. With £2.9m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund matched by over £1.5m from Sunderland City Council, the redevelopment of Hylton Castle commenced in September 2017 completing in 2020.

Consultants, contractors, archaeologists, engineers, and volunteers all contributed to the complex project. Many heritage skills were needed on this project from geological testing of stone and mortar, to stonemasonry walling and carving through to bespoke joinery. These skills helped with keeping the castle historically correct, while utilising the best of modern conservation materials in the repairs.

The project was not just to repair a Grade I Listed Building and Scheduled Monument to a high conservation standard, but to repurpose the building into a Heritage Led Learning Centre that fits into the 21^st century, making it a part of the community that it serves.

New floors, stairs, and a lift have been added inside the Castle, as well as a cafe, exhibition and flexible spaces for community and educational use. One of the fundamental parts of the regeneration was to make the castle accessible, removing the entrance steps and replacing with a long ramp, as well as a new ambulant disabled staircase and a disabled lift to all floors.

The Project is also about the community, and has provided opportunities for volunteering, activities and events for local people and visitors, educational visits for schools, and a strong emphasis on training for local young people. Those that visit will learn of the Hylton Family, The City, the importance of its people, and the Friends Group and Community who campaigned for many years for funding to bring the castle back to its former glory.

In addition, the Hylton Castle Project has provided training opportunities for young people, both during the construction phase and during operation, mentoring young people as they gain skills and qualifications to help them make their first steps towards new careers. William Birch, the main contractor of the Hylton Castle project, has also employed and trained a local young person in his first job, training him in site supervision, First Aid and NVQ Level 2 Construction.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted significantly on activity and delivery of plans, but when Hylton Castle opens its doors, residents can look forward to group/school visits, delivery of further training and engagement days, and the hosting of city-wide events.

Cllr Denny Wilson, from the Castle Ward, said: "We are delighted that a project that means so much to our community has been recognised nationally. We have campaigned for this regeneration for years and are pleased to see the updates that will accommodate modern day life, while not compromising the original structure.

"I would like to thank the fantastic team of talented and enthusiastic consultants, contractors, Beaumont & Brown architects, and volunteers that have successfully delivered the regeneration, and look forward to the day we can open our doors to visitors and allow residents to see for themselves the amazing work that has been completed."

Cllr Linda Williams, Portfolio Holder for Vibrant City, said: "The regeneration of Hylton Castle has been something our city has seen happening over the last few years, and for the project to be recognised on a national level brings even more excitement to the prospect of the doors opening in the near future.

"This National Heritage Site will rightly be a focal point in our city, and it is excellent to know that visitors from across Sunderland, and even beyond, will get the chance to learn the important history of the castle. For all the hard work that has been put into this project, I feel that the National Constructing Excellence award for Conservation and Regeneration is very well deserved."