It started more than three decades ago, but now a project to restore one of Medway’s oldest military sites, is one step closer to completion courtesy of a £200,000 grant. Work to restore Fort Amherst began in the 1980s and a new project will help the fort and surrounding area reconnect with its military roots and uncover secrets from the past. The Fort Amherst Heritage Trust and Medway Council have secured a £214,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop plans for the project, Command of the Heights. The huge project will include the demolition of Riverside One, which sits within the walls of the historically important Barrier Ditch. Command of the Heights will also see the creation of a new entrance to Fort Amherst from Chatham town centre as well as the restoration of the Spur Battery which will be transformed into an amphitheatre.
Once the plans are complete, the council will apply for a further £2m from the HLF to complete the archaeological exploration and regeneration work. Restoration works are expected to run from early 2017 to late 2018. Councillor Rodney Chambers, who is in charge of investment and partnerships, said: “I am pleased we have been successful in securing funding for what is going to be an exciting project in Chatham. There is a lot to learn about the area’s military and naval history, and through Command of the Heights we hope to capture the imagination of Medway residents and those from further afield.” Comments are closed.
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August 2023
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