Image: Initial plans have been drawn up for the castle

Nottingham residents are being given the opportunity to comment on "exciting proposals" for the transformation of the city's castle into a "world-class tourist destination".

The Castle Working Group - a business-led partnership - has launched a consultation into the plans, 370 years after Charles I raised the Royal Standard at Nottingham Castle.

Initial ideas outlined by the group include placing Robin Hood at the heart of the experience and making more of the cave network located beneath the historic building.

An exploration of Nottingham's national role in social protest and rebellion and the creation of a new visitor centre at the entrance to the castle are also among the proposals.

The Grade I-listed Nottingham Castle currently attracts nearly 270,000 visitors a year, while also hosting a range of events such as the Robin Hood Pageant and Outdoor Theatre.

Castle Working Group chair Ted Cantle said: "Nottingham Castle is extremely important to the heritage of both Nottingham and the UK as a symbol and base of major social and political protests.

"This project focuses on the UK's heritage of rebellion, freedom and social change and within this context will also use the internationally renowned character of Robin Hood."

Nottingham City Council portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism David Trimble added: "We need to get this right, and that's where we need the public to step in to help us."

Click here for more information on the plans for Nottingham Castle.

Image: aimeeorleans/flickr