Newhaven Fort 'will not be sold'

Newhaven Fort would have been used to defend the town's port in an invasion

Newhaven Fort will not be sold off despite running at a loss of £200,000 a year, Lewes District Council has said.

The East Sussex site was completed in 1871 and was an operational coastal defence in both world wars before being decommissioned during the 1960s.

A meeting of Lewes District Council agreed to retain ownership but put it on the market for a long term lease arrangement as a visitor attraction.

The leaseholder would have to pay for improvement works, costing about £6m.

Conservative councillor Rob Blackman, who is the lead member for business, economic development and tourism, said the site required a large investment to fulfil its potential as a "significant visitor attraction".

"We know from the feasibility study that there are interested parties out there.

"It is a great site and location and could host a fantastic variety and range of events as well as providing enhanced educational facilities, be a location for a range of commercial activities and much more."