Elvaston Castle’s historic pump house has a new lease of life in time to welcome visitors over the summer holidays.
Work to remove ivy, repair the collapsed roof and rebuild parts of the building was commissioned by us – the owner’s of Elvaston Castle Country Park – as part of a £35 million redevelopment masterplan.
The Grade II listed building was built as part of the estate’s lavish gardens designed by William Barron between 1830 and 1860 and it contains a waterwheel-driven pump which was used to distribute water throughout the estate.
The masterplan was developed in partnership with the Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust to restore the 321-acre estate, including its many listed buildings and historic features.
Its aim is to relieve the significant ongoing annual maintenance and running costs and resolve the major backlog of repairs and other work needed to the buildings and landscape while maintaining public access to the estate.
Our Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration Councillor Tony King said:
“Elvaston Castle and Country Park is a much-loved jewel in Derbyshire’s crown, and we’re delighted to see the pump house restored in time for visitors to enjoy over the summer holidays.
“The Elvaston Castle Masterplan aims to secure the estate’s future for generations to come by making it a sustainable visitor attraction that can stand on its own two feet, saving millions of pounds for Derbyshire council tax-payers who currently pay for its upkeep.”
Subject to planning permission, proposed developments under the masterplan will include:
-repair and renovation of historic buildings to bring them back into use – for example, as retail, office and workshop space or as holiday cottages and, where possible, reflecting their former uses
-upgrading catering facilities including a new main café, which will be a key feature of the courtyard, and providing smaller catering facilities around the site
-a new access drive closer to the A6, taking visitors to the heart of the estate
-a new adventurous play area close to the main café
-camping and glamping on the estate’s former campsite with facilities for touring caravans, motorhomes, and tents
-an improved and varied events programme to attract a wider audience
-converting the ground floor of the castle into an events and conferencing space which will be available to let out for weddings and other events
-Regeneration of the estate is expected to create more than 170 new, local jobs and create a more accessible and vibrant visitor destination.
The £35 million regeneration cost will come from a mix of public and private investment including a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, local government funding and substantial investment from us. Our long-term plan is to hand the day-to-day running of the estate to the charity, Elvaston Castle and Gardens Trust (ECGT).
Find out more about the Future of Elvaston
