A HISTORIC fort has reopened its doors after millions of pounds were spent to improve it during lockdown.

Newhaven Fort opened again on Saturday, June 19, following an extensive £1.2 million improvement programme during its initial closure due to Covid restrictions.

Part of the improvements included replacing the entrance bridge to the 150-year-old building at a cost of £350,000.

Exhibitions have also benefitted from the funding, including the theatre, which now features a six-metre wide screen.

Meanwhile, Wave Leisure Trust which manages the attraction, has launched a range of new exhibitions funded by a £850,000 grant from the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s cultural recovery fund.

There are brand-new exhibitions and displays have been refreshed, including new objects and artefacts to educate visitors about the social history of life linked to the fort over the past 150 years.

There is also now a video tour of the "The Hidden Fort" providing an opportunity for visitors to experience the tunnels of the fort that are no longer accessible to all.

Duncan Kerr, CEO at Wave Leisure Trust, said: “We can’t wait to open our doors again. This year we’re celebrating the fort’s 150th year – a remarkable event and one that we’ll be celebrating with visitors new and old.

“The next exhibitions really do take our historic attraction to the next level and we are grateful to have had the opportunity thanks to the cultural recovery fund to improve the experience for our visitors. Get your tickets now, we can’t wait to see you.”

Councillor Ruth O’Keeffe, cabinet member for tourism and devolution, said: “I am delighted the fort, which plays a very important role in our district’s heritage, is back open again for local people and tourists alike to enjoy.

“We decided to make a substantial investment to replace the bridge, rather than keep on making temporary repairs, such is the value we place on keeping the fort open for future generations.”

Councillor James MacCleary, leader of Lewes District Council and local councillor for Newhaven South, said: “It is fantastic to see the culmination of the major works that have been taking place at the fort while it has been closed.

“This is yet another triumph for Newhaven, building on the success of our Future High Streets Fund bid to transform the town, the upcoming opening of our new riverside venue at Railway Quay, as well as news on our multi-million town fund bid.

“Living a short walk from the fort, I’ll be visiting with the family soon.”