Museum plan for derelict lodge in town park

Boston Castle stands in Boston Park on the edge of Rotherham town centre and was originally built between 1773 and 1774 by Thomas Howard, the Earl of Effingham.

The grounds around the lodge were acquired by Rotherham Council in the early 1930s and were opened up as the town's first public park, with football and cricket pitches.

The lodge was lived in by park keepers until 1996, but since then it has fallen into a state of severe dereliction being seriously damaged by the weather and consistent vandalism.

Rotherham Council has now drawn up ambitious plans to demolish more modern additions to the Grade II listed structure and turn it into a museum and an education centre.

The scheme requires planning permission and listed building consent and under planning rules constitutes development in the green belt, which is banned except in "very special circumstances".

However, those behind the scheme believe the opportunity to save the castle from total dilapidation should be seized by the council to preserve a piece of the town's past.

Some people who use Boston Park have voiced concern over some aspects of the scheme, including a new car park which would result in the loss of some of the gardens.

But in a report to Rotherham's planning board, which meets tomorrow, planning officers say the positive aspects of the scheme will outweigh any concerns expressed so far.

Plans submitted by heritage workers at Rotherham Council say: "Boston Castle was last used as a residential premises in connection with the maintenance of the park.

"However, it has been vacant for a number of years and has fallen into a state of disrepair and has also been subject to vandalism. There have also been numerous internal and external alterations to accommodate the use of the castle as a dwelling.

"In terms of restoration, it is proposed to reinstate the original layout of the castle, internally, including reinstating the original staircase position and entrance door and the viewing platform at roof level."

Two extensions which date from the Victorian period will be demolished if the revamp is given permission, while a new stair and lift tower will be built to the north of the castle.

If the scheme goes ahead, the tower will be glazed and lead to a viewing platform, which will allow visitors to take in views of the lower Don Valley, because land to the north and west slopes steeply away.

Spaces for 32 cars would be provided in the car park, and a new ground floor extension, which could be built of stone reclaimed from the Victorian extension, will house a cafe.

The scheme has already won the backing of English Heritage and Rotherham's conservation officer has urged councillors to support the idea and grant planning permission.

Planners say there could be an issue with cars trying to access the site, as the current entrance is via Boston Castle Grove, which is currently used for parking by people at a neighbouring college.

But plans are being drawn up for a residents' parking scheme, which council officers say should cut back on congestion and eradicate any road safety and access issues.

In their report officers say: "Overall, it is considered that the use of the building and extension is appropriate and will help to secure the long-term retention, preservation and reuse of this important listed building."

A Friends of Boston Castle and Parklands group was set up in July 2002 by people anxious to ensure the historic site was preserved and developed to its full potential.

The group is keen to see the park developed as a safe urban area which provides an "inviting environment" for those who use it.

Ultimately they would like to see the site better promoted both within Rotherham and further afield in an attempt to increase visitor numbers.