Culture secretary visits Caerphilly Castle to see progress on £10m revamp

Wales’ culture secretary has visited Caerphilly Castle to see how its £10m revamp is progressing.

The works will see a brand new visitor centre, cafe, toilets and education room added to the 13th century venue.

It will also include the refurbishment of the Great Hall, the installation of visitor access paths, ramps, new information signage and a wildflower garden.

Work will also be carried out on the castle’s watergate, which has not been used since medieval times.

The project is set to be completed by summer 2026 – with the castle remaining at least partially open during the renovation works.

It is part of Cadw’s five-year “masterplan”, which was announced in 2019, to improve the 13th century Grade I listed castle.

Following her visit, culture secretary Lesley Griffiths said the castle is “crucial to the region” and described it as “the number one attraction drawing visitors to the town”.

Ms Griffiths said: “It’s been great to see the investment and conservation work which has already taken place and learn more about what comes next to ensure this remains a first-class experience for visitors.

“Our national heritage is as vital to people today as it has ever been and we must see and experience our history to understand it.

“Investment in both conservation and accessibility ensures more people can visit our historical monuments and enjoy them for generations to come.

“I look forward to following Cadw’s progress on this significant and ambitious project.”

The project aims to turn the castle, which was built between 1268 and 1272, into a ‘world-class’ visitor attraction.