Castle Gateway

Project 4 - Creating an improved entrance between the town centre and the Castle Grounds by enhancing the Castle Gatehouse area and adjoining Market Street properties.

A large part of the bid involves enhancing the town’s historical treasures and improving the links between them. The proposal is to demolish the building currently occupied by Nationwide Building Society and to create a new, wider entrance to the Castle Grounds, in place of the current narrow footbridge.

This will include opening up views of the ancient herringbone Castle Wall, which is said to be one of the finest examples of Norman herringbone masonry in the country. The three 16th century Grade II listed buildings near to Nationwide will also be sympathetically restored and brought back into use.

Improving this access and view to the Castle Grounds will reconnect the town’s three most significant historical assets; Tamworth Castle and its walls, the Town Hall and St Editha’s Church. Through these improved gateways, the aim is to encourage the thousands of people who visit the Castle Grounds every year to venture into the town centre itself.

The Nationwide Building Society will be moving into the former Peel Café across the street from the existing location, which also serves to bring another vacant premises back into use.

Mandy Beech, Nationwide’s Branch Director, said: “We’re committed to providing our members in Tamworth with the best possible service and are working with the council on their plans. “We’re delighted to have found a new location for Nationwide to continue serving its members in Tamworth. We’re now progressing with our plans for the new branch and we’ll keep our members updated as this work develops.”