Increasing accessibility and a state-of-the-art immersive experience are part of exciting proposals for the King’s Gate at Caernarfon Castle.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, is looking to enhance the visitor experience at the World Heritage Site and have tapped into Visit Wales’ Tourism Attractor Destination programme to secure a £3.3m programme.
The current proposals include:
- First ever level access to the upper embattlements of any similar UK World Heritage site, providing a unique experience for those with mobility issues.
- Developing imaginative, interactive and immersive experiences e.g. virtual reality.
- Significant conservation works to the gate
- A lightweight, glazed lift to gain access throughout King’s Gate leading to a new viewing deck atop the Gate
- Educational and event space
- Accessible toilet facilities
- The provision of a light snack and refreshments area
- Increased and improved retail space within the King’s Gate Tower area
Cadw will be holding a pop up consultation event on Castle Square, Caernarfon to seek local views and thoughts on these proposals on 26 and 27 November.
There will be story boards, an immersive Virtual reality experience along with a 3D model of the Castle with proposed enhancements. Cadw representatives will be on hand to discuss the suggested improvements.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Sport Lord Elis-Thomas said:
“Caernarfon Castle is a hugely significant attraction, one of the most well-known castles in the UK and it is recognised internationally.
“This project is focussed on enhancing this world class offer. We want to drive up visitor numbers for the monument and of course Caernarfon town by making it more accessible to a much wider audience.
“If we are genuinely to break down barriers, our sites need to be more accessible, relevant and enjoyable. We must continue work on maximising access for those with mobility difficulties.
“We have made great progress with the access bridges at Caernarfon and Harlech - we now want to build on this by providing better access to the higher levels of some of our castles, such as Caernarfon, but in a way that is sympathetic to their historic character. Our proposals here absolutely support that.”