The Bembridge Fort Trust has announced a major boost for its plans to restore and reopen the historic coastal landmark.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £250,000 to support work that aims to secure the site’s long-term future and develop it as a heritage and visitor destination.
Investment in restoration
The grant unlocks a £370,000 project that marks significant investment in this unique Victorian fort.
The Trust plans to raise a further £120,000 from other sources, including a philanthropic fundraising campaign.
Work carried out over the past year has already focused on making the buildings safe and protecting rare structures within the fort.
The new funding will allow the team to stop serious water ingress and reverse damage that has built up over decades.
Plans for community use
The project aims to bring the original Victorian officers’ quarters, parade ground and other historic spaces back into community, education and event use.
Volunteers, schools and local history groups will be able to take part through tours, activities and events.
The Trust intends to reopen areas that have been locked away for many years and give more people the chance to explore this significant Island landmark.
Experts welcome the funding
Leah Mew from LMA Heritage Consultancy Ltd said,
“This very welcome funding boost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow us to lay the groundwork that will secure the future of Bembridge Fort.
“The vital works proposed are both ambitious and complex and will be carried out in a way that is in keeping with this historic landmark.
“We will use this funding to lay the groundwork for the future of Bembridge Fort and will make sure that the community have a key voice and role in doing that.”
Reeves: Bembridge Fort deserves a bright future
David Reeves, Chairman of the Bembridge Fort Trust, expressed his thanks to all involved,
“Bembridge Fort deserves a bright future, and securing this funding is a key milestone in creating that future.
“I would like to thank the volunteers and Trustees of the Bembridge Fort Trust whose tireless work has helped make this bid possible and whose knowledge and expertise played a key role in making it successful.
“Also many thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery players for making it possible.”
McLeod: Thanks to National Lottery players
Stuart McLeod, Director of London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, highlighted the importance of the fort.
“Bembridge Fort is an important heritage asset and we’re proud to support this project to restore and connect the community to it.“Thanks to National Lottery players, the project will help unlock the fort’s potential as a place for learning, community engagement and sharing the story of its past as well as securing its future through vital restoration works.”
A new chapter for a hidden landmark
The Trust hopes this investment will bring Bembridge Fort back into active public use and ensure its preservation for future generations.
See their website to stay up-to-date on developments.
