4 January 2013 Last updated at 09:26 ET

Colchester Castle to close for £4.2m redevelopment

Colchester Castle is due to reopen in spring 2014

Colchester Castle is to close for a year while it undergoes a £4.2m redevelopment.

The improvements will include new displays charting the history of the castle, which dates back to 1076, and the town.

Repairs will be made to the roof, the heating system will be upgraded and the castle will be made accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

The castle will close on Sunday and is expected to reopen in spring 2014.

The new-look castle museum will feature an "interactive hub", with replica objects for visitors to handle.

Colchester Borough councillor Tim Young, portfolio holder for culture, said the plans were "extremely exciting".

"This essential transition period is a significant time for the castle, which will help to safeguard Colchester's most treasured heritage attraction for future generations to enjoy," he said.

£3.2m of the money was awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.