By Thom Kennedy

Last updated at 16:24, Friday, 16 July 2010

A commercial expert who masterminded the construction of a major exhibition centre in the east of England has been picked to spearhead the development of Lowther Castle and Gardens.

Andrew Mercer was the chief executive of the East of England Agricultural Society, and helped create a £9.5 million exhibition centre for the society, which draws in 800,000 people each year.

Now he has been appointed commercial director of the ambitious plan to transform the castle and gardens on the Lowther Estate near Penrith into a major tourist destination for the area.

Mr Mercer said: “Lowther Castle and Gardens will become a wonderful attraction for tens of thousands of visitors to the Lake District.

“The challenge of recovering, restoring and developing the gardens and castle presents a wonderful opportunity for me, and I am excited to be joining the enthusiastic team of supporters and professionals committed to the Lowther project.”

Mr Mercer will see the project to its completion. He takes up the post on August 27.

Bryan Gray, chairman of the Lowther Castle & Gardens Trust, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Andrew to head the Lowther team.

“His business experience and knowledge of developing major tourist assets in the countryside will be invaluable in helping the Trust achieve its vision.

“Our project will create a unique destination of exceptional quality, which celebrates the historical and cultural significance of Lowther and secures its place in Cumbria’s future.”

The scheme, which would open the site to the public for the first time in 70 years, is to receive £7m from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and a further £2m from the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

It is hoped that work could begin on the ambitious project in the autumn and that the transformation of the site, near Penrith, will be completed by 2012.

The attraction is expected to draw more than 160,000 visitors each year and generate more than £10m for the county’s economy.

Award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley have been appointed to design the project.

Nick Brooks-Sykes, director of tourism at the Northwest Regional Development Agency, added: “The restoration of Lowther Castle and Gardens is a hugely ambitious project which has the potential to deliver transformational change for Cumbria’s visitor economy.”

First published at 14:10, Friday, 16 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk