Efforts to save Cardigan Castle, the site of the first Eisteddfod, moved up a gear this week, with the announcement that CADWGAN, a local Building Preservation Trust, is applying for a Heritage Lottery grant.

Speaking at a reception at this year's Eisteddfod in Cardiff , one of many across the year to raise awareness of the Castle campaign , Jann Tucker, Chair of CADWGAN, said :

" Cardigan Castle is one of the most important historical sites in Wales. Our aim is to conserve and restore one of our national treasures and in the process kick-start the re-generation of not only Cardigan town as a major visitor attraction , but the whole of Ceredigion  and West Wales as a tourism destination . This in turn, we hope, will create much-needed jobs, investment and a sea change in local fortunes.

The project is of national importance as it will resurrect one of Wales' cultural landmarks - the birthplace of our Eisteddfod with its profound influence on our bardic and musical heritage and tradition.  It will commemorate the cultural golden thread that stretches across the centuries from that first contest to the wonderful Eisteddfod we enjoy here today and every year across Wales. A legacy that as a nation, we have an obligation to protect".

Cardigan Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument sited within the Cardigan Conservation Area and comprises six listed buildings and boundary walls.

The multi-million pound project comprises plans to restore the Castle buildings and walls as well as an ambitious re-development of the castle grounds which will be transformed into a state of the art cultural heritage and visitor centre, with a Welsh Adult Learning facility, and a conference, performance and retail area. The old greenhouse will be re-modelled as a conservatory café and the outbuildings will feature a mix of residential, commercial and holiday accommodation. The Castle's Regency Italianate gardens, including its walled and kitchen gardens will also be restored and will form the central feature of the complex creating a public open space for the enjoyment of both local residents and visitors alike.

CADWGAN Building Preservation Trust was created in 2000 by four local people who felt passionately that Cardigan Castle should be brought into public ownership and be conserved, restored and made accessible to everyone. This followed growing public concern over many years as the Castle deteriorated under private ownership during the 1980's and 90's, with no resources to salvage the situation.

Since its formation CADWGAN has enjoyed  huge levels of support from the local community for the restoration and re-use of the Castle as a community resource as well as its plans for a cultural renaissance in the area. In addition, key partnerships with a wide range of agencies and public bodies such as Ceredigion County Council, Cardigan Town Council, The Welsh Assembly Government, CADW, The Architectural Heritage Fund, The Association of Preservation Trusts, The Welsh Development Agency (now Department for Economy &Transport) have been instrumental in achieving the progress to date.

About £1.5 million pounds has been secured from various partnerships and grant making bodies . A further £8.6 million is now needed to complete the project, with £4.8 million sought in the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.  CADWGAN has also embarked on a series of public receptions and events across Wales and England to raise awareness of the Cardigan Castle campaign. If all the necessary funding is successfully put in place, CADWGAN anticipates that the restored Castle and its new amenities will be completed and open to the public by 2012.

Significantly one of CADWGAN's most supportive partners is The Prince of Wales' Regeneration Trust which is advising on the technical aspects of developing and implementing the project. Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall visited the site in 2006 to launch the project and have taken a close interest in its progress ever since. Speaking at the launch HRH The Prince of Wales commented: "This project has enormous potential. You can have community re-generation through heritage - I know, I've seen it so many times. We look forward to coming back to Cardigan when the Castle is completed".