A 900-year-old landmark will reopen to the public this summer following a massive £27.5million renovation and a five year wait. Norwich Castle, one of the UK’s premier heritage attractions, was of central importance to Norwich, medieval England’s second largest city. Its significance was, and continues to be, a huge source of civic pride.

Located in Norfolk, in the heart of East Anglia, construction of Norwich Castle was begun by William the Conqueror. When it was completed in 1121 by his son, Henry I, it was one of the most spectacular palaces in medieval Europe. After major multi-million pound renovation work Norwich Castle Keep already has a new glass atrium, restaurant and education room, set to improve facilities for school and learning groups. Work on the Grade I listed castle – known as the Royal Palace reborn project – was designed to create an immersive experience of Norman living, boosted by money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Robin Hanley, assistant head at the Norfolk Museums Service said the building was “iconic” for Norwich and Norfolk and the glass atrium roof would reveal new perspectives to visitors. Work on the museum began in 2020 but a 2023 completion was pushed back due to delays and the pandemic.

Mr Hanley added: “This is a complex heritage building project and the challenges we’ve faced on this project are not unique to Norwich Castle. I think it reflects the fact that with a building that’s been used for 900 years you will come across challenges.. that have placed pressure on the programme and inevitably on our budget.”

Originally the re-opening was due to happen in 2023. However, the discovery of hidden Norman and Victorian features, plus the need to replace a leaking roof, meant the project was delayed further. The revamp includes restoring the original floor levels in the keep, and recreating the great hall and the apartments of Norman kings.

A new Gallery of Medieval life is also being created, in partnership with the British Museum, which will see more than 1000 objects go on display. Over 50 of these are on long-term loan from the British Museum.  The project was partly funded by a £13m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Last year, to cover rising costs, the council provided funds of £4.7m, on top of previous increases to the budget. Later this spring, the council will offer a limited number of special previews of the keep “to key supporters”, including members of the public and museum passholders, through a ticket ballot. The council said the previews would help shape the visitor experience, in preparation for the grand reopening.

Margaret Dewsbury, a Conservative councillor and cabinet member for communities, said the project was reaching an “exciting final few months”.

“It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we are thrilled to be moving on to the next stage when we can start to recreate the rich atmosphere of a Norman royal palace – with all the decorative elements that Henry I would have enjoyed when he visited Norwich Castle in 1121. We look forward to welcoming our first visitors into the recreated Norman rooms in the spring, with the full opening to the general public in the summer.”

Norfolk County Council said it would announce the exact full opening date once the 900-year-old building had been handed over by contractors.

A spokesperson for the Castle added: “When it reopens, the magnificent medieval Keep will transport visitors back 900s to the heyday of Norman England. Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, the Grade I listed Keep will recreate the splendour of the building and lives of its inhabitants like never before.

“For the first time ever, everyone will be able to explore all five levels of the Keep – from basement to battlements.

Norwich Castle Keep will be the most accessible castle in the UK. It will accommodate wheelchair users, pushchairs and those with SEND requirements on every floor. This includes – uniquely – access to the rooftop battlements.”