A new cafe and a lift leading the public to never before seen areas are among measures unveiled to improve the visitor experience at Caernarfon Castle.

Part of a £3.3m scheme, plans for the first phase were approved last year which included the setting-up of temporary buildings within the castle walls to clear out Kings Gate before the main construction work could start.

But detailed plans for the second phase have now been submitted to Gwynedd Council’s planning department, including a new cafe, lift, improvements to visitor facilities and opening up parts of the castle that are currently inaccessible –  including the windows overlooking the town.

Established in  1283 to consolidate Edward I’s conquest of Gwynedd, it is best known in modern times as the site of the controversial investiture of Charles, the Prince of Wales, in 1969.

It has since become a World Heritage Site and was designated as Grade I listed in 1983, attracting around 200,000 visitors a year.

According to CADW, the proposals for Kings Gate include providing, for the first time, level access to the upper embattlements and developing interactive experiences such as virtual reality.

The proposals also include a glazed lift to gain access throughout King’s Gate leading to a new viewing deck at the top.

CADW go on to state that the overall strategy of the King’s Gate project is to advance the visitor experience, especially for those with limited ability to access parts of the castle.

The planning documents note: “By improving the visitor offer and developing the understanding of the King’s Gate, the proposed scheme will not only enhance the visitor experience on offer but will more importantly provide vital amenities to facilitate all visitors to Caernarfon Castle.

“The concept of introducing ‘furniture’ into the spaces, through clearly contemporary additions, will show how spaces were once used, increase family activities and open up vantage points that have been inaccessible until now.

“The detail and quality of the materials and elements of the design look

to celebrate the King’s Gate as the grand gatehouse and high-status entrance to the castle it was designed to be, whilst reflecting the unfinished nature of this part of the castle.”

They conclude: “In addition the project will allow for significant conservation works to be carried out on the Gatehouse, including the removal of any previous interventions.

“Having the opportunity to carry out a historical building survey has provided the most thorough understanding of the history, development and function of the Gate within Caernarfon Castle to date; helping to inform the design decisions in the development of the overall scheme.

“Furthermore, archaeological excavations carried out during the enabling works to provide services, has increased understanding of the Lower Ward and areas outside of the Eagle Tower, which will further enhance the interpretation of the site as a whole.”

It’s expected that Gwynedd Council’s planning department will consider the application over the coming months, which will also require