A historic fort that has been closed for restoration will reopen next year.

Newhaven Fort will welcome visitors again from February after its £7.5 million project.

The site was closed earlier this year for the construction work to begin.

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Lindsay Lawrence, general manager at the fort, said: “The restoration is going to transform Newhaven Fort, providing greater access to improved spaces all year round for activities, events and workshops which are perfect for all the family.

“We’re committed to ensuring Newhaven Fort offers something for everyone, extending beyond its historical and wartime themes.

“We cannot wait to welcome the public back and showcase all the incredible work that’s been going on.”

As well as essential repairs and maintenance work to preserve the landmark, the restoration will include new exhibitions, a redeveloped adventure playground and new access to gun emplacements.

The restoration will also include a completely refurbished battery observation post which has never been open to the public before.

A spokesman for Newhaven Fort said many of the new exhibits will feature personal accounts and will focus on the role women from the area played on the home front during the war.

These will include accounts from munitions workers and those in the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Women’s Land Army, known as the ‘land girls’.

The Romney Hut will be refurbished to provide a versatile all-year round event space for school activities, weddings, community events and corporate hire.

Several dates for 2025 activities have been confirmed including wedding showcases and WWII events.

More information can be found at https://www.newhavenfort.org.uk/newhaven-fort-unveils-2025-events-calendar/.

Other events on the calendar include science shows, a car show, evening talks and a murder mystery night.

The restoration has also improved access around the site. When the fort reopens there will be two new free mobility scooters for visitors, a second disabled toilet, a new family toilet, a ramped area outside the gift shop, better accessibility in exhibitions and accessible playground equipment.