A total of £37 million will be invested in improvements at Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Royal Collection Trust has announced.

The Future Programme aims to revamp the way visitors are welcomed to the residences, with new dedicated Learning Centres created as well as new spaces opened up to guests.

Purcell architects has been appointed as Lead Designer for Windsor Castle in Berkshire, while Burd Haward Architects will take forward the scheme at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

Works at Windsor Castle include increasing public access to the ground floor of the State Apartments, while the 14th-century Undercroft will be developed into a café.

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The Georgian Entrance Hall will also be reinstated and link the visitor entrance on the North Terrace with the State Entrance on the Castle's south side.

Other development features include a new visitor centre and a dedicated learning centre.

At the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the programme will work alongside Historic Environment Scotland to redevelop the Palace's outside spaces, including the Abbey, Holyrood Park and the Forecourt.

A new Family Room will also be created inside the Palace, while the interiors of the Abbey Strand buildings will be restored and a Learning Centre developed.

Jonathan Marsden, Director, Royal Collection Trust, said: "Windsor Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh's royal palace, are two of the most important historic buildings in Britain and home to some of the greatest works of art. Future Programme represents an important investment to enhance everyone's enjoyment of the Palaces and the Royal Collection and to deliver the best-possible experience of visiting these royal residences."

Works are due to begin in 2017, with completion scheduled for the end of 2018.

(Image: The Abbey Strand buildings at Holyroodhouse, Credit: Royal Collection Trust)

(LM)