Now entering the next stage of its journey, the Hertford Castle Greenspace Renewal (HCGR) has completed its 18-month Development Phase, made possible thanks to a grant of nearly £600,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the funding has brought Hertford Town Council, East Herts District Council and Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service together to develop detailed plans for renewing Hertford Castle’s greenspace.
Over the past year and a half, the project has undertaken extensive surveys, heritage and ecological assessments, community consultation and design development. This has shaped a sensitive and ambitious masterplan focused on heritage conservation, biodiversity enhancement, accessibility and community benefit.
Delivery Phase Application Submitted
All documentation for the Delivery Phase funding application was submitted to The National Lottery Heritage Fund on 7th November 2025. A funding decision from The National Lottery Heritage Fund is expected in March 2026.
If the grant is awarded, the Delivery Phase will commence, with capital works provisionally programmed to start in January 2028 and complete by March 2029.
What’s Planned (Subject to Funding)
Key proposals for Hertford Castle’s greenspace include:
- Conservation of the motte, curtain wall, icehouse and other historic features.
- Restoration of the River Lea’s riverbanks and improved wildlife habitats.
- A complete redesign of the children’s play area.
- Improved access through upgraded paths, bridges and step-free routes.
- Sensitive improvements to the Ashley Webb Shelter.
- New and improved seating across the site.
- Enhanced planting and biodiversity to support wildlife.
- New interpretation, signage and heritage information.
- A full programme of community activities, volunteering and events.
These plans have been shaped by specialist input, alongside feedback from the community and stakeholders throughout the Development Phase.
To view the full illistrutive masterplan please click the button below.
Next Steps
Updates will be published here following the funding decision in March 2026.
For enquiries, please email castlegreenspace@hertford.gov.uk.
About the Heritage Fund
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
