A £50,000 Coastal Revival Fund grant has enabled Weymouth’s historic Nothe Fort to transform its North Terrace and open it to the public.
The newly landscaped Terrace now has two special stone benches, was unveiled on Friday 10 July by KeeP 106 contributor, BBC antiques expert and Bounce Back Arts Director, Paul Atterbury, at a private pre-opening event.
Attendees included contributors to the Nothe Fort’s successful crowdfunding appeal, as well as long-term Nothe Fort supporters. They were the first to see the enhanced North Terrace, as well as the Fort’s new Covid-19 safety measures, which enabled Nothe Fort to re-open to the public on 11 July.
KeeP 106 broadcast live from the event. Listen to the highlights here
Nicky Whittenham of Bounce Back Arts secured the Coastal Revival Fund grant on behalf of Nothe Fort and commissioned Dorset-based artist Zoe Cull of Stoneform to design and create the art installation.
Zoe said, “The North Terrace is the Nothe Fort’s best kept secret. It affords fabulous views right across Weymouth Bay. Its enhanced landscaping and accessibility make it an ideal setting for my work and an unmissable highlight for visitors.”
Fort Facilities Manager, Jonathan Turner, said, “Zoe’s benches are tremendously complementary to their stunning setting, overlooking the sea on the perimeter of the new extension to the North Terrace. The benches are made of Portland Stone and engraved with scenes and characters illustrating events from the history of the Fort and surrounding area, providing a lasting memorial for future generations.”
Nicky Whittenham, Bounce Back Arts Founding Director, said, “This is a very exciting development in the Fort’s history and one which will entertain and delight visitors for many years to come. Zoe’s work is of an extremely high quality and her benches provide a permanent and informative visual celebration of our local heritage, which contribute to and complement the displays and exhibitions already found at the Fort. They also afford spectacular views of the harbour, town and the beautiful Dorset coast!”
