Medieval UK town with ‘magical' castle used for Hogwarts in Harry Potter films set for multi-million pound investment
Once home to the beloved fictional wizard, the mystical site is about to undergo an exciting revamp.
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Harry Potter fans flock to famed castle
Alnwick town, Northumberland, has long been steeped in history, but it was the medieval castle featured in the Harry Potter franchise, which put it on the map.
The castle grounds set the stage for Hogwarts in the first two films, and was notably the location where Harry had his first quidditch lesson.
Today, Alnwick welcomes tourists from far and wide who are keen to immerse themselves in the wizarding world.
Beyond exploring the site featured in The Philosopher's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets, visitors can also follow in Radcliffe's footsteps and take a broomstick lesson of their own.
Harry Potter fans have even dubbed the day out one of the UK's most immersive experiences outsides of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
Council reveals regeneration plans
Now, Northumberland County Council plan to make improvements to the town in an exciting new regeneration plan.
Last month, it was revealed that over £270,000 in funding had been approved to kick start a multi-million pound project.
As part of the Borderlands Place Programme, plans have been revealed to build a new museum in Northumberland Hall.
The council also revealed that this work could commence in a matter of months, subject to approval of other funding bids.
The museum promises to boost tourism even further in an area that is already a popular hot spot.
New Epic Universe theme park reveals fifth new land based on Harry Potter
Beyond the town's ties to J K Rowling's famed wizarding world, Alnwick is also brimming with medieval history, reports The Northern Echo.
Built more than 900 years ago, the castle remains the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Northumberland, with one of England 's most powerful noble houses, The Percy Family, still calling it home.
In addition to this, the town boasts many impressive landmarks like Bondgate Tower, Hotspur Gate, and St Michael's Church.
Visitors can also explore one of Britain's largest second-hand bookshops, Barter Books, which is also famed for rediscovering the iconic "Keep calm and Carry On" WWII poster.
Alnwick Garden is also home to Europe 's largest treehouse restaurant.
As well as welcoming a brand new museum, the plans also hope to develop a transport hub.
With a further £90,000 approved for this, work could be well underway by early 2026.
Both these projects, part of a bid totalling around £7.7million, have been well received by the community.
At a community event held earlier this year, 84% of respondents backed the proposals.
It comes on the back of the new 'Town Investment Plan' which was approved by the Borderlands Partnership following development locally by the Place Partnership Group.
The Borderlands Place Programme includes up to £3m of Growth Deal and County Council combined investment Alnwick, and six other neighbouring towns.
Once funding awards are in place, there will be detailed consultation with businesses and residents that may be affected by any construction works prior to them starting.
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Councillors express excitements for proposed plans
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Chair of Alnwick Place Partnership Group said: 'This is a fantastic step forward for the town, giving our backing to kick start significant investment in the town centre.
'Alnwick already has great assets including major tourism attractions and businesses and our aim is to bolster this by introducing new attractions to the town centre and making it easier and more attractive to visit the town on public transport.
'This is just the start for the Borderlands Place Programme with a range of new schemes in development across all seven towns in the programme we are expecting further projects for approval in Bedlington, Prudhoe and other towns later this year."
While Alnwich County Councillor Martin Swinbank added: 'We have been pushing for improvements to the bus station for many years and I'm pleased to see this next step in securing new investment.
'The bus station is an important community facility and also the first view of Alnwick many visitors see as they step into the town."
Fellow Alnwick County Councillor Gordon Castle said: 'Our tourism offer is an important component of the local economy and working together to bring the Northumberland Hall back into use, at the same time as bringing the Bailiffgate Museum into the heart Alnwick is a great solution."
Jean Humphrys, Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery Chair of Trustees, added: 'This support is an important milestone for our innovative proposals to create a new cultural and creative hub in the town.
'We're working over the summer to secure backing for our exciting plans for this building to bring much needed investment into the town and a long-term home for the amazing story of Alnwick.'
Earlier this month, Alnwick honoured its magical past with a screening of the franchise in the castle grounds.
ChronicleLive reported that fans would be able to attend a special viewing where they could watch the action play out near the location where it actually took place.
The castle grounds has also been the backdrop to countless other beloved films.
Among the popular titles in which it has been featured, is the 2019 film of Downton Abbey, Transformers: The Last Night, and even the upcoming Mark Wahlberg and Sir Anthony Hopkins film.
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