Extension and refurbishment of Grade II Listed Castle

​

Client: Kielder Forest and Park, Forestry Commission

​

Mixed use extension and refurbishment of Grade 2 Listed Castle incorporating a cycling clubhouse, visitor centre, cafe, restaurant, gallery and guest accommodation. Mailen Design were successful in winning a national open competition to renovate Kielder Castle, an 18th Century Listed hunting lodge in the heart of Kielder Forest, Northumberland.

​

Our proposal centres around the creation of a new destination for cyclists of all abilities and ages to provide a social focal point, support and exhibition spaces and accommodation within the existing castle. A new build stone entrance wing is to be added to the existing courtyard providing a more open and inviting visitor arrival sequence. This orientation space then links at ground floor to a new exhibition and gallery space, flows into a renewed cafe and a clubhouse for the cycling community.

​

Renovated interior spaces then provide new office functions for the Forestry Commission staff and kitchen and support spaces to the cafe and a new evening restaurant on upper floors.

​

Later phases include the restoration of redundant spaces within the castle to provide a series of accommodation options for the tourist community. Through careful restoration of the existing fabric and the introduction of new natural materials to the interior the design seeks to create a sensitive but modern redevelopment. 

 

The proposal creates an environment where nature, sport, arts, innovation and community combine. 

​

Visualisations by Marcos Alonso Visualisation