The Land Trust announces team to begin restoration of Fort Burgoyne

The Land Trust is delighted to announce the appointment of a number of organisations to work with the national land management charity on the creation of an inspirational vision for the future of Dover’s historic Fort Burgoyne.

Originally built in the 1860s, and situated adjacent to the world renowned Dover Castle, this exciting new project will help establish a new culture of creativity within Dover and return Fort Burgoyne to its former glory.

Heritage design specialists, Lee Evans Partnership LLP were chosen for their experience in dealing with historic buildings and sensitive heritage sites and have been appointed to lead the conservation works, alongside quantity surveyors Betteridge & Milsom.

Works will include the stabilisation and conservation of this hidden Victorian masterpiece, allowing the Fort and its West Wing Battery to be regularly opened to the public for the first time in its history.

Alongside this, an artist-led community engagement programme will look at how to raise the Fort’s profile and make it attractive to the local community, visitors and businesses.

Dover Arts Development (DAD), have been chosen to work with Charles Holland Architects (CHA) and together will develop ideas to re-imagine the West Wing Battery through a public engagement programme that will draw on the skills, knowledge and ideas of local people.

Albion have been appointed to run an initial ‘Year of Engagement’, and are tasked with talking to local people about the potential for a new creative community while the award winning Animate Arts Company will work with local schools to deliver participatory Artsmark and Arts Award projects to create education and activity packs for use by schools visiting the site.

The Land Trust will also provide a site ranger through The White Cliffs Countryside Partnership who will deliver guided walk activities, volunteer work parties, improvements to ecological habitats on site and support the expansion of the Trust’s ‘Green Angels’ training programme.

Karen Pamplin Browne, has been appointed as project evaluator.

In addition to the Land Trust, funding is being provided by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Historic England, Artswork, the South East Bridge and Kent County Council also contribute as part of Pioneering Places East Kent.

Chris Valdus, Fort Burgoyne Heritage Project manager for the Land Trust said:

“2019 promises to be a turning point for Fort Burgoyne. The diverse and highly skilled team we have appointed will be working together to start addressing major structural issues and engage community and potential partners in starting the journey towards realising an exciting and secure future for this amazing space.”