to draw new visitors to the area, and
leave a local community legacy of new
volunteering opportunities.
The current Fort building on the site is
the largest man-made defence work
ever constructed in Sussex and is now a
Scheduled Ancient Monument. Designed
by a 22-year-old Lieutenant in the Royal
Engineers, it was commissioned in
1859 as part of a major strengthening
of Britain’s Channel defences by Lord
Palmerston in preparation of a perceived
threat from a resurgent France.
The Fort has the classic features of its
period including firing galleries reached
by an extensive tunnel network which is
dug into the chalk; a Caponier at beach
level, a Grand Magazine, Parade Ground
and ‘Casemates’ which were used as
barrack accommodation. The walls
are constructed out of concrete – the
first time this material was ever used
extensively in a British fortification.
Commenting on the funding award, Cllr
Andy Smith, Leader of Lewes District
Council said: “We are delighted to have
received this invaluable support from the
Heritage Lottery Fund. The funds will
allow us to move forward with our plans
for the conservation work to the physical
structure of the Fort, maintaining safe
access and revealing elements which are
currently hidden. At the same time, we
will be working closely with Wave on the
Second-Round Application.”
Duncan Kerr, Chief Executive at Wave
said: “It’s great news and really exciting.
This funding will allow us to work up the
project further and gives Lewes District
Council the opportunity to recruit a strong
team to support us in the next phase of
the regeneration of the Fort. The HLF
award will help us enhance the visitor
experience by adding new fun family
elements and refocus the Fort and its
links with Newhaven town, safeguarding
the future and preserving the site for
another century.”
By Lisa Hayward, Marketing &
Communications Manager, Wave Leisure
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