They are just two of the ways Hylton Castle could be revived.

Campaigners have been fighting to bring the historic landmark back into use for years, and in April this year were given £50,000 to carry out a study into what could be done with the site.
Now consultants from Resources for Change have released the first of
two reports looking at how the empty shell of the castle could be used by visitors and the community.

Their recommendations include:- A room for wedding ceremonies in the castle's chapel.
- An education centre.
- Courses for young people in horticulture, landscaping and masonry.
- Using Hylton Dene as an adventure sports centre and nature park.
- Regular ghost hunts
- Sleep-overs with ghost stories for children
- Comedy, music and theatre events both inside and outside the castle.

The report also stresses the importance of bringing in young people as a way of tackling problems with antisocial behaviour in the area.

"Hylton Castle and Dene is more than a local community asset, which has the potential to overcome barriers and bring local communities together," say consultants.

"It has a much wider appeal, and will have to draw from a larger area to become financially and socially sustainable. It offers a complete package – play, heritage, nature, space – and could achieve the "something for everyone" factor given improved access, facilities, services and activities."

The consultants add that there are many people who value the castle, but take their families – and their cash – somewhere else because there are no amenities at the site.

The report lists vital facilities the castle would need if it wanted to bring in more visitors, including toilets, a cafe, shop, office space, picnic tables, shelters and a visitor centre.

The desire to at least partially restore the castle building was flagged up in the report, but a study by experts at Bureau Veritas on what can be done with the structure of the 14th-century landmark has not yet been released.

John Coulthard, chairman of the Friends of Hylton Dene, which has been campaigning to see the castle brought back to life, said: "It's a very good report. It's very detailed and it covers all the bases about what people want done."

Mr Coulthard said the Friends group was waiting for the conservation plan from Bureau Veritas to be signed off before more discussions between the group, the community, English Heritage and Sunderland City Council.

Coun Denny Wilson, who represents the Castle ward as well as being a member of the Friends group, said whatever project was decided on it was vital that it was sustainable and could pay for its self.

Original Source : Sunderland Echo