Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council have welcomed the Duchy of Lancaster‘s announced public consultation on plans for Lancaster Castle.
In 2006 the Lancaster and Morecambe Vision Board, of which both Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council and the private sector are members, launched a consultation on the vision for the future economic prosperity of the district.
The vision produced as a result of this consultation recognises that Lancaster Castle has the potential to be transformed into a major tourist attraction which could attract significant complimentary private sector investment and that this would be a highly valued development for the historic city of Lancaster. Both councils continue to support this vision for Lancaster Castle and welcome the Duchy’s consultation.
Commenting, Lancaster City Council Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism, Coun Ron Sands, said: “We all know Lancaster is one of the finest historic cities in the country and, with the Duchy now making plans for the Castle, there’s a wonderful opportunity for millions of others to discover its treasures too.
“We want those people to come not just once, but time and time again. What we as a city need to do is provide them with is not just top rate heritage attractions but an unforgettable experience. That means first class shopping, great entertainment, food, attractions, accommodation, clean and bright streets and a warm welcome from all of us who live and work here.
“Now, more than ever before, everyone – be they big organisations such as the councils and the Duchy or the retailers, service providers and the arts – must seize this real opportunity for us all to work together to maximise this golden chance we are being given.
With other developments such as the Canal Corridor North, Luneside, City Park, Square Routes, Lancaster is truly at an exciting crossroads and we must all seize every opportunity we have to make our city one which will put us firmly on the map as a must-go-to destination.”
Michael Green, Lancashire County Council Cabinet member for economic development, environment and planning, said: “The research shows that developing Lancaster Castle as a visitor attraction could bring many thousands of new visitors to the area, providing a major boost to tourism and the local economy.
“The Duchy’s consultation is a great opportunity for local people and businesses to give their views on the proposal, and we’d encourage as many people as possible to go along and see the plans at Lancaster Castle between Monday 29th October and Friday 2nd November.”