THURROCK Council is pitching for expert help as it bids to renovate Coalhouse Fort.

As reported on Thurrock Nub news last month, the council has been given almost a quarter of a million pounds from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help secure a long-term future as landmark and visitor attraction.

In August last year representatives of volunteer groups associated with the Napoleonic building met with Thurrock Council officials and councillors to discuss the future of the site, which closed its doors in January 2020.

The dilapidated parade ground at Coalhouse Fort.

Following the meeting Thurrock Council has announced the fort would to re-open its gates to visitors for the first time in more four years as surveys get underway to identify what works are required to return the fort to its former glory.

And the first of the open days in October was well attended and then portfolio holder for community, arts, culture and heritage, Cllr Val Morris-Cook said: "Coalhouse Fort is a cherished part of Thurrock's rich history, and this weekend's open days demonstrated just how much enthusiasm and interest there is for its future."

She added: "With around 1,000 people attending to explore the site and contribute to the consultation, it's clear that the Fort holds a special place in the community's heart.

"I am incredibly optimistic about the future of the Fort and want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this event possible."

Cllrs Val Morris-Cook and John Kent at Coalhouse.

The mantle of portfolio holder for community, arts, culture and heritage has since passed to Cllr John Kent, who expressed his delight last month on confirmation of the grant.

He said: "This welcome funding boost from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow us to lay the groundwork that will secure the future of Coalhouse Fort.

"In its current state a great deal of work will need to take place to allow it to re-open to the public. That work is often complex and needs to 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 Coalhouse Fort and to make sure that the community have a key voice and role in doing that."

The council is now advertising five new contract opportunities at Coalhouse Fort, saying it is looking for a design team, strategy development and business planning and fundraising consultant, an ecology consultant, an evaluation consultant and a marketing consultant.

Details of the opportunities can be found via this link.