Somerset County Council can confirm that Henry W Pollard and Son Ltd of Bridgwater has been awarded the main building contract for the £6.93 million Museum of Somerset Project at Taunton Castle.

The contract to undertake the restoration of Taunton Castle attracted considerable attention. Over 30 building companies from across the country expressed an interest in working on this prestigious and high-profile project. Henry W Pollard was selected to carry out the building work following a competitive tendering process.

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The Museum of Somerset project, which is predominantly funded through a Heritage Lottery grant of £4.8 million, will see Taunton Castle undergo extensive building improvement and conservation work. Facilities will include a new welcome building, a state of the art learning centre and café.

Over 50% more of the castle will be accessible to the public when it re-opens as the Museum of Somerset, which is expected to be towards the end of 2010.

Tom Mayberry, Museum of Somerset Project Leader, said: "Somerset County Council are delighted that Pollard's will be carrying out the main building work. Pollard's is a well-established local building firm and we are confident that Taunton Castle will be in safe hands over the coming months."

(CD/JM)