Guided talks next step to reopening historic fort

Eastbourne's Redoubt Fortress will open for limited guided talks in August and September in a move towards a full reopening

A Napoleonic fortress described as a "cornerstone of Eastbourne's history" will be opened for guided talks in a move towards fully reopening the site.

Redoubt Fortress will reopen on selected dates in August and September for small groups of people to discover the history of the building.

Jenny Williams, Eastbourne Borough Council cabinet member for tourism, said the talks were the next step in "wanting to see the Redoubt fully reopened" after it was closed for maintenance works to ensure it was safe.

She said: "This is your opportunity to see the site as it currently is, and work with us to create a vision for its future."

Guided talks in the fortress will run on 16, 17, 20, and 26 August, as well as 2 and 16 September.

The talks will cover the history of the site, which was built in 1805 as a defence fort during the Napoleonic Wars.

People on the tour will also be invited to discuss how to continue preserving the building.

Stephen Holt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "The Redoubt Fortress is a cornerstone of Eastbourne's history, and I've been determined this year to ensure that we can provide some guided talks to allow residents and visitors the opportunity to see the Redoubt for themselves.

"We also want to use this opportunity to engage and consult with those who attend as part of the seafront strategy, and together develop ideas for its future.

"This is exactly the kind of project our seafront strategy is designed to support, bringing heritage to life while enhancing the visitor experience along our beautiful coastline."