A CASTLE which has stood empty in Shooters Hill for years now has a new king.

A 150-year lease for Severndroog Castle, set in acres of ancient woodland in Castle Wood, has been granted to construction firm Mount Anvil Ltd by Greenwich Council.

The 15-metre-high, Grade II* listed triangular building, will be refurbished into headquarters for its subsidiary Cathedral Group Plc.

The company's bid was selected following a council exercise to find interested heritage organisations.

Cathedral Group has a strong track record of dealing with historic buildings, its projects include student accommodation in Devonport House, the former post office in Greenwich Church Street, and the Coronet Cinema in Well Hall Road, Eltham.

Cathedral Group managing director Richard Upton said: “It really is a unique property and, like Devonport House in Greenwich, it is a privilege to work in beautiful and historic properties.

“That uniqueness is everything the Cathedral Group is about and I hope that is why, in part at least, the council approved our bid.”

Under the terms of the lease there will be public access to the building, on a planned basis, several times a year and the firm will be contributing to works of public art on the site.

Greenwich Council deputy leader Councillor Jim Gillman said: “I am delighted this landmark building is to get a new lease of life.

“The granting of a lease to Mount Anvil marks a success for the council in getting the building fully refurbished and brought into productive use.”

A scheme is now being drawn up for the refurbishment of the castle which will need planning permission from the council and English Heritage approval.