Multi-million plans have been drawn up to restore and regenerate a 19th century Midlands castle and country estate.
Up to £35 million could be spent on Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire, with the construction of a new access road, the rejuvenation of dilapidated buildings and the restoration of the castle’s interior.
Pending planning permission the five year project could begin as early as autumn this year. The castle is a few miles east of Derby.
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Improvements would also include improved catering facilities with a new main cafe, a new adventure playground and camping facilities for caravans, motor homes and tents.
The upper floor of the castle itself would be converted into suites that can be let out for weddings and other events, while buildings round the site would be renovated and brought back into use for retail, office and workshop space, or as holiday cottages. It is understood 170 jobs would be created.
The plans had previously been criticised by campaign groups, who said it would have a negative impact of the nature of the site, with more than 10,000 signing a petition against the proposals.
The plans have been drawn up by Derbyshire County Council, which owns the 321-acre estate, Elvaston Castle & Garden Trust (ECGT) and the National Trust.
Coun Tony King, cabinet member for clean growth and regeneration at Derbyshire County Council, said the plans had been a long time in the making.
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He said: “We’ve been at it for a couple of years now. I’m excited that it’s coming to this and we’ve moved forward another step.
“The first planning application will be going in to South Derbyshire District Council for the infrastructure work and facilities fairly soon.”
Funding would come from the county council, National Lottery Heritage Fund and D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
Coun King said: “For a five-year project you can never count on anything, but we are pretty sure the money is available and we have plans if there is a shortfall in any area.
“We need to be sure that the investment will pay back and that has been one of the major tasks to produce a business plan that will pay back the people of Derbyshire for the investment.
“We have plans for other buildings in the park which are dilapidated and really need some TLC.”
Coun King added he hoped the major building work could begin as soon as possible.
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He said: “The major stuff will hopefully start either in Autumn this year or Spring next year.
“We’ve got a tight schedule. It’s going to be five years of intense activity and I hope people will be proud of the results.
“The park itself will still be free at the point of entry, people will be free to come in and walk and use it.
“The income will come from extra car parking, extra facilities and we hope additional visitor numbers.”
Dr Peter Robinson, chair of ECGT the plans would bring the site “back to life”.
He said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity and the thoughts and ideas contributed by locals and the wider Derbyshire community have been invaluable in shaping this plan.
“Like many people, I love Elvaston and visit frequently with family and friends.
“We have five years of hard work in front of us, but we’re determined to bring the castle, gardens and wider parkland back to life.
“We are committed to opening up much more of the estate to the public, including the three courtyards of beautiful stable buildings which include a blacksmith’s forge, gas engine and the remains of an original Real Tennis Court.”
Since the 1990s the cost of running the estate and maintaining the buildings has become increasingly difficult, costing Derbyshire council tax-payers up to £900,000 a year.
In 2013, the council entered into a partnership with the National Trust to find new ways of attracting visitors, increasing income and protecting Elvaston’s heritage in the years to come.
A 10 year vision for the estate and gardens was developed under the partnership and the independent Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust established which will manage the estate through a long-term lease agreement.