Funds to give historic battery 'new lease of life'
Plymouth City CouncilAn historic battery is being restored and opened to the public in a bid to give it "a new lease of life".
The work in Garden Battery at Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall, which dates back to 1862, was being funded by Plymouth City Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It was built on the site of an earlier saluting battery, which originally housed 10 guns to defend the mouth of the Hamoaze and the surrounding channel.
The council said since the Ministry of Defence relinquished the site in 1946 the battery remained "largely inaccessible" but the project planned to open it to the public.
'Creates new opportunities'
By 1910, two searchlights had been installed in former gun casements. The guns and lights were removed in 1927.
Tom Briars-Delve, cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change at the council, said: "This project not only preserves the building, but creates new opportunities for engagement, learning, and sustainable commercial use to support its long-term future."
The council said the restoration project was a partnership with the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee, which included Cornwall Council and Plymouth City Council, with consultation with The Friends of Mount Edgcumbe.
The restoration project formed part of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park's "commitment to transform how people connect with the area's rich maritime heritage".
PLACE Architects have been chosen to work alongside Chadburn Conservation Architects on architectural elements of the project.
Plymouth City Council said project management would be overseen by Insite Projects and the main contractor, TEC Construction (Holdings) Ltd, would undertake the restoration works.
Stuart McLeod, director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This marks a major milestone for the Garden Battery at Mount Edgcumbe and the wider Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
"It demonstrates the powerful impact that long-term, place-based investment can have – unlocking new opportunities for local communities to connect with, enjoy and take pride in the heritage on their doorstep."