MAJESTIC Highcliffe Castle could be set for further transformation with plans to apply for a £2million grant from Heritage Lottery.

The castle, owned by Christchurch Borough Council, applied to the fund five years ago for cash to repair and reopen the remainder of the 19th century mansion but was turned down.

But now, three years after the council stumped up a loan of £1.2m, the castle management is hoping renewed interest by the Heritage Lottery Fund could lead to the renovation of the Penleaze Wing.

The grant would include the refurbishment of the wing as well as the restoration and display of the valuable medieval stained glass collection.

The castle, which is Dorset’s most popular wedding venue, is thought to bring in around £10m a year in benefit to the local economy in terms of hotel bookings, receptions and other services.

And the restoration of the Penleaze Wing will see the building become a heritage centre entirely for public use.

David Hopkins, manager of Highcliffe Castle, said the Heritage Lottery is offering 90 per cent funding, meaning the castle and council could have to contribute up to £200,000 of the £2m loan.

“We hope the council will help us with some of this. We’ve raised around £40,000 through our own fundraising, and are looking at another £60,000.

“This is an amazing building. The transformation so far is astounding, but it needs to continue”, he said.

Much of the furniture, which is currently in the stores at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, would be brought back into the heritage centre with visitors able to watch the stained glass restoration on a daily basis.

The Penleaze Wing, which is dominated by former servants’ quarters including two kitchens, still contains a Victorian range as well as a boiler which supplied water for the entire mansion at one time.

Mr Hopkins added: “It will be a long process but hopefully a rewarding one if we can see our vision for this building fulfilled.”