THE renovation of a medieval castle has moved a step closer after the project was awarded a £200,000 grant.

Garfield Weston Foundation has awarded Hay Castle Trust the money to help restore and revitalise the remains.

This follows the Heritage Lottery Fund awarding the project nearly £5 million, the total cost of the build is £6.5 million.

Brecon Beacons National Park Authority previously approved Hay Castle Trust’s plans to restore the historic building.

Work is expected to start in the spring and completed by 2019.

The project will allow the public to enjoy full access across the site for the first time in more than 800 years.

The design for the castle includes a Medieval keep and gatehouse, a Jacobean mansion, and Victorian coach house and outbuildings.

It will open up all areas of the site and encourage visitors to explore views from the top of the tower as well as a hidden arch in the cellar below.

The work includes a gallery space on the top floor fitted to industry standards to allow exhibitions on tour from national and international museums and galleries.

There will be a viewing platform at the top of the medieval keep, an education space, an entrance hall in the now derelict eastern wing with a lift to enable access to all areas and a cafe in the former coach house and kitchen.

Hay Castle Managing Director Nancy Lavin Albert said: “This generous grant represents a major step forward in securing the goal of £6.5 million for the project.”

The grant will help the Trust conserve the mansion and Norman tower and develop a programme of new learning activities for visitors, schools and community groups, including a programme of traditional building skills and culinary training.