![]() Once we have a clearer picture from the liquidators, we will explore all available options together with our key partners the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and others to develop a fresh business model.” “We will reopen the castle as soon as possible. “This is clearly a significant blow for the city and its visitor economy,” he said, adding the council was supporting affected staff and safeguarding the site and its collections. Pavlos Kotsonis, Nottingham city council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture and planning, said the news of the castle’s closure was a “huge disappointment”. The trust’s former chief executive, Sara Blair-Manning, is also claiming she was wrongfully dismissed in August 2021 after raising concerns about bullying and harassment, allegations that are strongly denied by the trust. Nottingham Castle Trust has faced heavy criticism over the past year, particularly over its handling of an alleged racist incident between children in the castle’s play area, which led to a protest and an open letter by 40 current and former staff calling for trustees to step down. The castle’s renovation included a new visitor centre and cafe, refurbishing and adding galleries, an interactive Robin Hood exhibit and an outside play area. “Add to this the impact of the pandemic and escalating fuel bills and there is nothing less than a perfect storm facing our much-loved local museums,” said Heal. Research by the charity has shown local authority expenditure on museums and galleries in England declined by 34% in real terms between 2009-20. “Serious questions now need to be asked about the governance of the castle and what the next steps are to preserve this important collection and space for the people of Nottingham.” “It is a reflection of the difficult situation facing many museums and heritage buildings post-Covid and in the midst of a cost of living crisis,” she said. Sharon Heal, the director of the Museums Association, said the news was “sad and troubling”. The trust previously said the revamp, funded by sources including Nottingham city council and the Heritage Lottery Fund, would turn the site into a “world-class heritage destination” to rival the castles at Warwick and York. “While visitor numbers have been improving, they have unfortunately remained highly unpredictable and significantly below forecasts, mirroring the difficulties seen across the whole cultural sector.” Despite the immense dedication of staff and volunteers, the castle is now closed to visitors,” the statement read. “This is a heartbreaking day for trustees, our staff, visitors and the city.
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