Formation of the
Cargill's Castle Trust

The Cargill's Castle Trust was formed in 1997, becoming an official trust on the 3rd of June 1998 and entered into negotiations with Mr Collett in order to retain the castle, which is a significant part of Dunedin's cultural heritage, as part of the future of Dunedin.

The Cargill's Castle Trust

The following, are the current committee members of the Cargill's Castle Trust:

Barry Roger Clarke Clark Craw Accountants - Trustee
Steven De Graaf Manager - Trustee (Chair)
Kerry Frances Kirkland Marketing Manager - Trustee
Graham Johnston Sales and Marketing Manager - Trustee
Rosemary Creighton Credit Manager - Trustee
Ray Beardsmore Retired - Trustee
David Polson Lawyer - Legal Advisor

Proposed use and development by the Cargill's Castle Trust

Proposed future use

The intention of the Cargill's Cargill Trust is to:

  1. Secure the Castle through purchasing the site and stabilising the ruin.
  2. Develop a clifftop park. Provision of walking access.
  3. Continue to maintain the ruin and manage the site as a local and international visitor destination.
  4. Provide interpretation of the historical and cultural significance of the site.
  5. Assist in development of the proposed Blackhead to St Clair Track.

Operational Objectives for the Cargill's Castle Trust

  1. Purchase the site. - Done
  2. Fence the site. - Done
  3. Development of walking access for the public. - Access gained, track to be developed
  4. Stabilise the ruins.
  5. Provide interpretation plaques of the historical and cultural values of the castle and site.
  6. Landscape and develop the grounds to enhance the castle and coastal location for use as a clifftop park.
  7. Over time, in stages, develop a clifflop track from St Clair Esplanade to Blackhead in conjunction with the Dunedin City Council's Track Policy and Strategy.

Financial Requirements

Cost of Purchasing and Stabilising Cargill's Castle

Purchase of site. $180,000
Plus stabilisation of ruin. $300,000
Total cost
 $480,000

Projected Costs

Provide interpretation plaques and site signage.
$10,000

Site beautification including landscaping and pathway - costs not available yet.

Retaining Cargill's Castle

The Benefits
Cargill's Castle is significant historically, architecturally and culturally. It should be retained for the use, education and enjoyment of present and future generations.

For Cargill's Castle to become a visitor attraction it is not necessary nor, arguably, desirable to rebuild the castle remains. The dramatic coastline setting coupled with the grandeur of the castle ruins provides its own allure and power to fascinate.

Public access to the ruin will enable Dunedin people to have a closer relationship with a significant part of the city's cultural heritage. Amongst these ruins walked some of Dunedin's most prominent early settlers, women and men, actual as we are today, thinking their own thoughts, swayed by their own passions. Dunedin deserves the opportunity to secure this site for all those who wish to experience the history and atmosphere of Cargill's Castle.

Short Term Goal- The Development of a Clifftop Park.

The development of Cargill's Castle as a clifftop park is of considerable amenity value to the city. The ruin and the surrounding coast is an amenity unique in Dunedin.

The park will primarily provide for the viewing of the ruin and of the scenic coastline. This park has the potential to be an important destination for visitors to the city and locals wishing to picnic and sightsee.

The local community is relatively devoid of park space and this clifftop park will fulfill some of these local needs. The nearest parks in this area are St Clair Esplanade, Ocean Beach and Second Beach. A Recreation Strategy for Dunedin (DCC:1993) identifies a need for playground/neighbourhood reserves within 800m intervals and this is not fulfilled in this area.

Information boards will detail the fascinating social history of the Cargill family and the family's involvement in the early development of the city. In this way the public will also be educated about the historic sites associated with the family, including Tunnel Beach and the tunnel carved through the rocks.

The park will be landscaped and planted in such a way as to enhance the dramatic setting of the ruin atop the coastline. Planting will also reflect the historic nature of the garden.

It is anticipated Cargill's Castle clifftop park will become a garden attraction and merit inclusion in Dunedin's already successful garden trail.

The Long Term Goal - Proposed Blackhead to St Clair Track.

The Dunedin City Council Track Policy and Strategy is a document that will enable Council staff to prioritise track development and upgrading for the city, in relation to recreational trends, community needs and funding. The proposed Blackhead to St Clair Track is included in this document.

The Dunedin City Council is acting to identify and secure opportunities for access by negotiation and by subdivision reserve agreements. Several recent subdivisions along this coastline have seen Council securing access across coastal frontages.

Cargill's Castle will, in future, become a key component in the proposed Blackhead to St Clair Track - a stunning clifftop walk linking the rock formations at Blackhead with spectacular Tunnel Beach and the historic castle.

The Tunnel Beach Walkway

This is a short walkway, 7.5 kilometres from the centre of the city , that has become one of Dunedin's most popular walkways.

"Tunnel Beach Walkway is one of Dunedin's most popular tracks; visitors and residents request information and directions constantly": comment from staff at Dunedin Visitor Centre.