The future of the Wentworth Castle Gardens

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Latest news in Yorkshire: September 21, 2018 11:41:00 AM

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The future of one of the country’s greatest 18th-century landscapes looks
more secure following discussions between the National Trust, Barnsley
Council and The Northern College. The three organisations are working
together in order to secure the future of the Wentworth Castle Gardens with
a view to it reopening in summer 2019.

Discussions have been ongoing between all three organisations since the site
closed in April 2017. The reopening would see the gardens and parkland –
the only Grade I listed park and garden in South Yorkshire – complement the
cultural offer of museums and attractions in the region, and the National
Trust intends to place the needs of the local community at the heart of the
offer through a programme of events, activities, volunteering and
employment.

Wentworth Castle Gardens was the home of Thomas Wentworth, whose ambitions
for the site were brought to life in the 1740s. After falling into
disrepair, it underwent significant investment and was opened to the public
in 2007 by the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust, with
support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and others.

The National Trust plans to enter into a 25-year lease that will see them
bring their wealth of experience in managing and conserving historic places.
Already in the region, the charity looks after the World Heritage Site of
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Nostell, Hardwick Hall and Clumber Park.

Working collaboratively as plans develop, the National Trust, Barnsley
Council and The Northern College will be liaising with the local community
and there’ll be lots of opportunities to use the site, discover new ways to
enjoy Wentworth Castle Gardens again and get involved.

Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: “I’m really
pleased to announce our partnership with the National Trust and Northern
College that will see Wentworth Castle Gardens reopen to the public.

“It has always been our ambition to secure a sustainable future for this
magnificent estate and our partnership with the National Trust does just
that.

“This is a great investment for Barnsley, boosting our visitor economy and
bringing new jobs into the borough. I look forward to seeing people from all
over the country visit Barnsley and Wentworth Castle Gardens.”

Diana Terris, Barnsley Council’s Chief Executive, added: “Anyone who has
ever visited Wentworth Castle Gardens can’t deny how stunning the grounds
are. We’re excited to be partnering with the National Trust and The Northern
College and look forward to reopening the grounds to visitors.

“We’ll work closely with the National Trust, through our award-winning
Barnsley Museums service, to get our local communities involved in the
development of the site.

“A lot of work has happened over the past 18 months to get us to this point.
I would like to thank the staff and volunteers who have maintained the
gardens while we’ve been going through the process of securing a future for
the site.”

Joanna Royle, assistant director for the National Trust in the north, said
“Wentworth Castle Gardens is such an important and beautiful place, and it
is a vital green space for local communities. We’re looking forward to
building on the hard work of Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage
Trust at the site while sharing the rich heritage and stories of the gardens
and its creators. But above all, we want to ensure that everyone visiting
next year will be made very welcome and once again be able to enjoy this as
a place to explore, walk, relax, play and spend time together outdoors.

“We are delighted to be working together with Barnsley Council, The Northern
College, and the local community to help safeguard it.”

Yultan Mellor, Principal and Chief Executive of The Northern College, said:
“The College is delighted that the future of the gardens has been secured.
We look forward to working in partnership with the National Trust to
maximise the benefits the wonderful grounds surrounding the college offer.
We look forward to collaborating on educational and community projects to
engage our students as well as volunteers and visitors to the site.”

All partners are keen to reopen the site as soon as possible, and in the
meantime, work will be carried out by the National Trust to prepare the
visitor facilities, including a new catering and retail offer alongside an
improved car park ahead of opening. Recruitment of staff and volunteers will
also begin, with several core roles within the staff team being open to
applicants from today.

John Edwards, Chair of the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Gardens
Trust, said: “I am thrilled that the belief and hard work of the staff, the
Garden’s many volunteers and my fellow trustees have come to this marvellous
result. It has taken ten years to bring this treasure back to life and all
who have helped deserve praise and thanks.

“We are so proud that this premier contribution to Barnsley’s rich heritage
looks to be secured for everyone, both near and far, to enjoy.”

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