Meet the man leading the biggest restoration in the modern history of Tamworth Castle

It’s full steam ahead at Tamworth Castle as work gets underway in earnest to carry out the biggest restoration project in this historic building’s modern history.

As you can imagine, the extensive programme will be complex and challenging as we tackle the wonderful intricacies of an ancient building, the logistics of getting materials up the motte, and working around schools and visitors – because the aim is to stay open throughout.

So top of the list was securing the best possible team, with the right skills and expertise to give the castle the TLC it deserves.

We believe we’ve found that in Messenger BCR, a company which brings extensive experience in the restoration of historic buildings. 

Even better though was discovering that the contracts manager tasked with overseeing the whole project is Tamworth man, Martin Nee.

By sheer coincidence and good luck, Martin was the company’s next available contract manager and, having grown up in the town and visited the castle many times, he didn’t hesitate to put himself forward.

His extra affinity with the project gives us even more reassurance that the restoration of our beloved castle is in good hands.

And while we get the extra reassurance, for Martin there’s a bit of added pressure as well! Little did he know when he was visiting the castle on school trips, or enjoying the park outside, that he would one day be playing a key role in protecting it for future generations!

He said: “I do feel a sense of pride, but also a big responsibility. As I grew up in Tamworth, I’m really excited to be taking this on and helping to secure the castle’s legacy.”

Martin may feel the pressure in the wider sense of a 1,000-year history, but he’s more than comfortable with the day-to-day challenges the job will bring.

“As Messenger BCR we’re used to working on specialist buildings, and every aspect of the work will be handled by people who know their specialism inside out. Of course this is a live castle on top of a mound, with additional logistics and access challenges, and it’s staying open throughout, so there’s a lot of planning that goes into it, he said.

Very soon, you’ll see scaffolding going up around the motte with an access ramp for the workers and materials, to assist with those tricky logistics.

Martin is also keen to use local suppliers where possible, and create educational opportunities for those with an interest in conservation work of this nature.

“We’re sourcing local trades where we can and will be looking for opportunities for community involvement and apprenticeships,” he added.

Supported by £1,716,238 from Arts Council England’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND), and £190,695 from Tamworth Borough Council, this latest project is part of the ongoing work involved in caring for the castle, led by Lara Rowe and the team, as current custodians of this centuries-old building.

In case you missed the updates on this so far, you can catch up on the project here.