EXCITING NEWS!
Nothe Fort has been awarded a grant of almost £1.4m from Arts Council England’s Museum Estate and Development fund (MEND) and an additional £15,000 from Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund, so it can fix its damaging damp issues.
Nothe Fort is a Victorian era coastal fort overlooking Weymouth Bay that Weymouth Civic Society has developed into an award-winning tourist attraction. It stands squarely in the face of often severe weather passing along the English Channel. The fort’s collections, displays and the building itself all sustain damage due to rainwater penetrating its roof and walls. The grant of £1,374,763 will pay for work to stop the most significant water ingress, supporting the fort’s conservation and enabling development of the museum experience for visitors.
James Farquharson, Chairman of Nothe Fort, said,
Our country has a wealth of heritage sites that the public enjoys visiting and wants to see conserved for future generations. With its MEND scheme, Arts Council England is delivering resources where it’s going to make the most impact on those goals. The grant we’ve been awarded will make us a better heritage attraction and ensure Nothe Fort has a long future ahead of it.
Supported by a £15,000 grant from Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund, the Arts Council’s grant will enable Nothe Fort to deliver an ambitious redevelopment programme, carrying out waterproofing works to large areas of its roof areas to protect the building and collection. With inside areas far less damp, the fort’s team will be able to develop new displays, exhibition space, and facilities, safe in the knowledge that the work will last the test of time.
Owned by Dorset Council and operated by Weymouth Civic Society, Nothe Fort was saved from dereliction in 1980 to become Weymouth’s most popular and best-loved tourist attraction. Winner of Visit England’s gold award for small visitor attraction in 2022 and 2024, the fort’s visitor figures passed 100,000 last year for the first time.
Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England, said
We’re thrilled to announce a £4.5 million funding boost for museums across the South West. Museums are more than just buildings—they hold a mirror to the world, allowing us to reflect on our individual and collective experiences. From Cornwall’s historic clay works to Bournemouth’s international art collections and Dorset’s military and archaeological treasures, our region is home to some of the country’s top artefacts. By investing in essential repairs now, we’re not only safeguarding our cultural heritage but also ensuring greater public access to these treasures for years to come.
