Messenger has been appointed as principal contractor to deliver a major £1.9 million conservation and restoration programme at Tamworth Castle, marking a significant milestone in securing the future of one of the region’s most important heritage assets.
The project, commissioned by Tamworth Borough Council, is supported by £1,716,238 from Arts Council England through its Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), alongside £190,695 of council investment.
Delivering complex heritage conservation
As a specialist conservation contractor, Messenger will lead a highly skilled multidisciplinary team to deliver a complex programme of works designed to protect both the historic fabric of the castle and the nationally significant museum collections it houses.
The scope of works includes:
- Repairs to historic drainage systems
- Stabilisation of structural movement
- Conservation of unsafe and deteriorating masonry
- Major roof repairs to the south wing
- Improvements to environmental conditions for sensitive collections, including items from the Staffordshire Hoard.
Works will be delivered in carefully planned phases, ensuring the castle remains largely open to visitors throughout the project. Where possible, the programme will also provide opportunities for the public to observe conservation work in progress.
Messenger brings extensive experience in the conservation of historic buildings, supported by a dedicated in-house team specialising in heritage protection and restoration.
Commitment to community and skills development
Ian Bird, Regional Director at Messenger, said:
“It is a real privilege to be appointed to work on a building of such historic importance. This project represents not only an opportunity to conserve a landmark asset, but also to engage with the local community and support the development of future skills in the heritage construction sector.
We are particularly keen to work alongside local colleges and students, helping to raise awareness of conservation as a specialist and rewarding area of the industry. We look forward to collaborating closely with the project team and castle staff to deliver long-lasting solutions to the challenges the building faces.”
Securing the future of a 1,000-year-old landmark
With a history spanning nearly 1,000 years, Tamworth Castle has evolved from a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress into a medieval stronghold, later a private residence, and now a public museum.
Following its inclusion on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2023, detailed investigations identified critical structural issues that now form the basis of this restoration programme.
Messenger is proud to play a leading role in this important project, helping to ensure the castle is preserved for future generations while remaining accessible to the public during the works.
Work on site is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with updates to be shared as the project progresses.