The refurbishment and conservation of the Georgian and Victorian Prison buildings within Lincoln Castle
The project also includes the construction of a climate controlled Subterranean pod to display Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest. A cinema auditorium within the exhibition to showcase films about Magna Carta will be constructed as well as the creation of a new shop and café. A glazed mezzanine floor will be installed in the female wing of the prison, which will require integration into existing fabric. There will be better disabled access including the installation of new lifts and external landscaping work, new visitor infrastructure and ticketing facilities. There will also be educational and learning zones within the new high profile tourist attraction.
Conservation to the prison doors will take place to restore them to exactly how they would have been when the prison was in use. A team of researchers are working with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver compelling exhibitions and real life stories.
Lincoln Castle is the only place in the world where Magna Carta (1215) and the Charter of the Forest (1217) can be seen together. It will also be the only place to have a dedicated new building and exhibition completed in time to celebrate the 800th anniversary in 2015.
The prison buildings are Grade II listed and will require a careful management including liaison with Archaeologists and Conservation Officers to ensure the principles of good conservation are upheld.
The project will need to be delivered to the highest standards of quality as the site is of international interest.
The project programme is also critical as the exhibition is due to open in 2015 to co-inside with the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.
