Our three year-long project to conserve and enhance the visitor experience at Caernarfon Castle has won both the Community Built Award and the President's Award at the Manchester Society of Architects Awards.
The awards, held annually since 1995, are presented to exceptional buildings that have made a positive contribution to their local environment, celebrating the fantastic work of Manchester architects.
Delivered for Cadw – the Welsh government's historic environment service – the £5 million project has aimed to advance the visitor experience and enhance understanding of its significance by improving the visitor offer, especially for those with limited ability to access certain areas.
![Caernarfon castle - a grey stone medieval castle](/sites/default/files/styles/content_width_image/public/2023-09/8307_N287.jpg?itok=VTTl3qcf)
This has involved the introduction of a new layer of architecture to the medieval building in the form of bespoke pieces of ‘furniture’ that sit on top of and within the triple-towered gatehouse.
Internally, three new floors of accommodation have been created, housing accessible toilets with changing places, a café, a gift shop, a reception area, staff facilities, storage, and new and immersive interpretation areas that tell the story of the people who built the castle.
On the upper level, a viewing deck has been created with seating areas, allowing visitors to take in views across the castle complex and beyond. Access to the deck is provided via a glazed lift, which enables visitors of all abilities to access this part of the castle for the first time in its history. It is also believed the first-time that level access has been provided in any similar UK World Heritage Site.
![The lift at Caernarfon Castle, next to the Hand statue indoors.](/sites/default/files/styles/two_column_image/public/2023-09/8307_N279.jpg?itok=bCElKqNi)
![two girls look at the sculpture on the deck at caernarfon castle](/sites/default/files/styles/two_column_image/public/2023-09/8307_N270_medium%20%281%29-2.jpg?itok=qnIks-KZ)
Alongside this, careful conservation work has been carried out to the gatehouse itself and adjoining walls to help to protect the medieval structure for generations to come.
“The Caernarfon Castle King’s Gate project has been an incredible journey for our team. Winning these awards is a reflection of our commitment to enhancing historic sites while making them accessible to all. It is a privilege to have our work recognised and celebrated by our peers.”
Lucy Ashcroft, Senior Architect
Stephen Anderson
Stephen leads the practice's heritage team, specialising in projects that involve listed buildings and heritage assets and responding to their impact on place and local communities.
Lucy Ashcroft
Lucy is a creative architect who has an in-depth knowledge of building conservation and urban regeneration.
Jenna Johnston
Jenna leads Buttress’ heritage consultancy team, providing clients with the resources and knowledge they need to better understand their heritage assets.