Lowther Castle & Gardens is set to be developed as a major tourism attraction for Cumbria, following a �7 million investment by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and a further �2 million from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2007-13.

The investment will enable the Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust to open the site to the public for the first time in over 70 years, and transform the remains of the Gothic Castle, its Stables and over 20 hidden gardens into a new visitor destination. The project will include:

� Access to 121 acres of abandoned historic gardens, and the ground floor of the Castle. � A new children�s adventure play area and learning project in the woods. � Access to a 1km limestone ridge offering views of the northern mountains of the Lake District. � Restoration of the East Sculpture Gallery of the Castle to provide a function and exhibition gallery. � A Visitor Centre offering a range of facilities including orientation and ticketing. � A dual purpose education and event room on the first floor of the Stables above the Coach House.

The project, which is expected to generate �10.4 million for the Cumbrian economy, will also create 28 new jobs and support up to 145 jobs outside the attraction. To assist with the project�s implementation, the Trust is also seeking Heritage Lottery funding of just under �6 million.

Steven Broomhead, NWDA Chief Executive, said:

�What�s particularly good about this project is rather than being a restoration scheme, it will enable visitors to explore and understand everything that is historically unique about Lowther Castle & Gardens.

�Projections show that by 2012, Lowther could attract in excess of 160,000 visitors each year, placing it in the top tier of Cumbrian tourist attractions. As well as being vital in encouraging visitors to stay longer in the area and venture outside the traditional �honeypot� areas, the scheme will also support jobs, provide a valuable educational resource and, importantly, generate a significant amount for the sub-regional economy.�

David Malpass, NWDA Director of European Programme, said:

�I�m very pleased to announce another ERDF investment for Cumbria. Lowther Castle is of national significance, and this investment will ensure we attract new visitors to the Eden Valley, extending the economic benefits of tourism across Cumbria.�

Richard Leafe, Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority, said:

�Lowther is a unique part of the Lake District and quite different to the mountainous landscape of the central fells. We look forward to working with Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust to produce a scheme to regenerate this important historic site.�

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Notes to editors

� The remaining �6 million funding for the scheme will go through Heritage Lottery Fund�s approval process during 2009. Without HLF funding the project will still proceed, but on a reduced scale. Estimates show that a �reduced� attraction would still be capable of attracting upwards of 90,000 visitors per annum.

� The approval is made subject to a number of conditions which include the successful transfer of the site to the registered Charity by the Lowther Estate and the granting of planning consent by the Lake District National Park Authority.

� In 2008, the Gardens were opened on 13th and 14th September as part of the English Heritage Open Days scheme and despite having no parking, WCs or visitor facilities, attracted over 4,000 people.

� The Castle and Gardens will be operated by an independent charitable Trust which aims are to promote art, culture, education and community benefit. The Trust is a wholly independent charitable entity that has been established for public benefit. For further information about the Lowther Castle and Gardens Trust visit www.transforminglowther.co.uk

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England's Northwest and is responsible for: � Supporting business growth and encouraging investment � Matching skills provision to employer needs � Creating the conditions for economic growth � Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure � Promoting the region�s outstanding quality of life

NW ERDF in summary 2007-13 � Total Northwest ERDF is �521m � Northwest ERDF (excluding Merseyside) is �308m (Within the NWOP, Merseyside has transitional status and a ring-fenced financial allocation to allow the area to adjust gradually). � Merseyside ring-fenced �phasing-in� ERDF is �212m (for the period 2007-11) � Taking account of match funding and the current exchange rate, this provides for total funding of �1bn between 2007-13 (double ERDF total).

The NW ERDF Priorities and Action Areas PRIORITY 1 �Stimulating Enterprise and Supporting Growth in Target and Markets PRIORITY 2 �Exploiting Innovation and Knowledge PRIORITY 3 � Creating the Conditions for Sustainable Growth PRIORITY 4 � Growing and Accessing Employment ACTION AREA 1-1. Developing high value new enterprise ACTION AREA 2-1. Exploiting the science and R&D base of the region ACTION AREA 3-1. Exploiting the economic potential of major gateways in Merseyside ACTION AREA 4-1. Stimulate enterprise in disadvantaged communities and under-represented groups ACTION AREA 1-2. Developing higher added-value activity in target regional sectors ACTION AREA 2-2. Encouraging innovation to improve productivity in all companies ACTION AREA 3-2. Developing high quality sites and premises of regional importance ACTION AREA 4-2. Supporting linkages to key employment areas ACTION AREA 1-3. Increasing sustainable consumption and production ACTION AREA 3-3. Supporting the improvement of the region�s visitor offer and image ACTION AREA 4-3. Supporting employment creation for areas of regeneration need

The NW ERDF Investment Frameworks � Specific Investment Frameworks (IFs) for each action area identify the type of activity that could be supported under the programme and the types of organisations that are best placed to deliver these projects. Each Investment Framework will have been developed in consultation with local, sub regional and regional partners and approved by the PMC.

For further information please contact Sam Shale, Press Officer on 01925 400264 or 07717 427872 or sam.shale@nwda.co.uk

For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.