The Landmark Trust is to begin the second phase of the £2.3m restoration of Astley Castle in Warwickshire, thanks to a £1.47m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The building preservation trust, which owns the castle, plans to commence work on phase two, which will see a new structure being built within the castle, in September 2009, with completion scheduled for spring 2011.

When complete, the castle will offer visitors enhanced access with information points, guided tours and walks.

Local people will also be offered volunteering and training opportunities to get involved throughout the duration of the project, in addition to a learning programme with local schools and eight annual public open days with interpretation and special activities.

Peter Pearce, director of the Landmark Trust said "We are delighted that we now have the go ahead from the HLF to carry out this work and save as much as we can of this natural treasure. We need to raise another £134,000 to complete the fundraising."

Phase one of the project, which involved clearing rubble and destroying parts of the Castle that cannot be salvaged, was completed earlier this year.

The Grade II Astley Castle, which dates back to the 1200s, was used as a stronghold by parliamentary forces during the civil war. After being turned into a hotel in the 1960s, the property was badly damaged in 1978 by a fire and has been abandoned ever since.