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Multi-million pound restoration of Blaise Castle Estate completed

After seven years, Blaise Castle Estate is set to celebrate the completion of its £5.6m Heritage Lottery Fund restoration project.

The celebrations begin on Tuesday, October 30 at 2pm. Later in the afternoon Bristol's Lord Mayor, Councillor Royston Griffey will cut a ribbon with a large pair of shears to officially open the recently restored historical dairy garden and unveil a plaque commemorating the multi-million pound project .

Up to 50 invited guests are expected to attend the event. During the celebrations, Mark Gundry, Bristol City Council's Parks Project Manager, will give a short presentation of the work undertaken during the seven-year restoration.

To end the day, young visitors can enjoy a Halloween celebration performance by popular children's entertainer Mr. Brown's Pig (by ticket only). This will take place in the restored historic dairy garden area with its newly-designed grass amphitheatre and scenic backdrop.

Councillor Rosalie Walker said: "I love Blaise Castle Estate. From the days when I took my children, to now when I take my grandchildren I have seen tremendous change and improvement. And now the restoration works have finally been completed you can see just how wonderful it really is.

"There's something here for everyone to enjoy - from the children's play area, to the museum to the magnificent grounds and walk ways. And, while you're here, you can enjoy a cup of tea in the award-winning café.

"Thanks must go to the Heritage Lottery Fund for their support and thanks to all the officers who have worked so hard over the years. The Blaise Castle Estate we see today is a testament to everyone's hard work."

Over the past seven years, restoration works have included:

• Restoration of historic dairy garden and thatched dairy building
• Reconstruction of balustrades and statuary around museum
• Re surfacing major drives and footpaths to improve public access
• Major enhancements to car parks
• Restoration of archaeological features such as caves and picturesque rock outcrops
• Construction of new café, public toilets and estate office
• Restoration of woodlands and meadows
• Provision of new play facilities
• Restoration of rivers and lakes in the gorge
• Repair works to important buildings and estate walls - particularly the Castle, Woodman's Cottage,Orangery, stable block and mill
• Provision of new gates, fencing and interpretation signage
• Security systems