Plans to open up a section of Kenilworth Castle which has never been available to the public before have been revealed.

English Heritage wants to make the 'water tower' at the town centre tourist attraction available to visitors.

"For the first time, the water tower will be accessible, giving the Kenilworth community and wider audiences the opportunity to step inside the space, experience its original features, and enjoy a new perspective from within the castle," a report to Kenilworth Town Council said. 

"This will help bring to life another chapter of the town's heritage that has previously been hidden from view. 

"Opening this area will create a lasting benefit for the community, offering a new point of interest that can be enjoyed for generations. 

"It also supports plans for a local unveiling event, helping to bring people together and celebrate Kenilworth's history. 

"Overall, the project will strengthen local pride, increase engagement with the site, and ensure this important part of the castle becomes a valued and accessible feature of the town."

Kenilworth Town Council last week unanimously approved a £6,000 grant to English Heritage to help get this part of the castle open.

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The funding comes from the council's CIL budget - money raised from local housing developers to be spent on local infrastructure.

The funding will be used to provide handrails, barriers and railings to make this section of the castle safe.

The report continued: "The water tower at Kenilworth Castle has historically remained closed to the public due to identified health and safety risks, primarily associated with unprotected edges, uneven access, and the absence of suitable protective barriers. 

"This project aims to mitigate those risks and enable safe public access for the first time. 

"The proposed works include the installation of sympathetic safety measures such as railings, barriers, and handrails. 

"These interventions will be carefully designed to ensure they meet safety requirements while respecting the historic fabric of the structure. 

"The Water Tower retains original decorative stone carvings and significant historic features."

English Heritage hopes to have the project finished by July but admitted "a more realistic completion date is September". 

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The charity says the opening will coincide with a "dedicated local event".

The report continued: "This will help bring to life another chapter of the town's heritage that has previously been hidden from view. 

"Opening this area will create a lasting benefit for the community, offering a new point of interest that can be enjoyed for generations. 

"It also supports plans for a local unveiling event, helping to bring people together and celebrate Kenilworth's history."