A REDEVELOPMENT team has been appointed to restore the York Castle Museum.

York Museums Trust have appointed Alison Brooks Architects along with several other landscaping teams to work on the initial design phase of a major multi-million pound redevelopment at York Castle Museum.

The first phase of the project will see the creation of masterplan and concept designs for the reimagined museum in preparation for the funding campaign.

The proposed development will be a significant part of the City of York Council’s plans for the regeneration of the Castle Gateway area.

Other teams chosen to work with Alison Brooks Architects include, Richard Griffiths Architects, Purcell Architecture and Todd Longstaff-Gowan Landscape Design; Real Studios; BDP; Appleyard and Trew and BuroHappold Engineering.

Alison Brooks Architecture was founded in 1996 and has worked on numerous public buildings.

Relevant projects include the rejuvenation of the 800 year old Cohen Quadrangle of Exeter College at the University of Oxford and the creation of Quarterhouse, a performing arts and business centre, in Folkestone.

Paul Lambert, head of strategy, finance and corporate services, said: “The number of applicants for the project has been phenomenal; this was a very competitive appointment.

“We are thrilled that we now have our RIBA stage one design team in place and we look forward to working with them on the next steps in realising our ambitious plans for the museum.

“We are continuing to work closely with the City of York Council and English Heritage so that our plans enhance and complement the wider vision for the Castle Gateway area.”

The York Castle and the Eye of York area has been a significant site since at least Roman times. The history of the prison and in particular, the Debtors Prison will be told in depth for the first time through, revealing extensive new research into the site and its collections.

Visitors, whether local or tourists, will leave knowing why this history is important, locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as a result of the redevelopment, the trust said.

A new riverside walk is also part of the City of York Council’s vision for the Castle Gateway. The project will investigate the creation of a new riverside walkway, connecting Tower Street with new public realm in the castle car park area. This will include walking through the recently developed Castle Gardens and by Raindale Watermill.