COALHOUSE Fort at East Tilbury has been awarded £236,500 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help secure a long-term future as landmark and visitor attraction.

The funding will be used for the Reanimating Coalhouse Fort project, which will involve the local community and people with an interest in the history of the fort to play a role in securing its future.

The Fort has stood empty since 2020 and needs significant work to make it ready to fully open to the public.

Reanimating Coalhouse Fort will build on work funded by National Highways and the Lower Thames Crossing's Designated Heritage Fund, further developing outline plans to bring the casements, gate house and parade ground back into community, education and business use.

Volunteers, local community and history groups and schools will all be able to take part in the project through events and training opportunities, allowing people to enjoy and play a part in allowing this important landmark to be open for visitors.

Cllr John Kent pictured with cabinet member for resources Cllr Val Morris-Cook at Coalhouse Fort.

Cllr John Kent, cabinet member for sustainability, art, culture and heritage, 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.

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"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.

"Coalhouse 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 members of The Coalhouse Fort Advisory Group and Cllr Val Morris-Cook, whose tireless work helped make this bid possible and whose knowledge and expertise played a key role in making it successful. Also thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and to National Lottery players for making it possible."

Public anger about the state of coalhouse Fort has been a festering source of complaint for several years after the council decided to close its doors.