Abandoned wartime sea forts may become luxury hotel

Plans for the forts, which have been abandoned for decades, would see them undergo a £40 million refurbishment
New look: the redevelopment would substantially alter the face of the sea forts
www.operationredsandforts.com
David Ellis @dvh_ellis31 December 2015

Seven abandoned sea forts off the coast of Whitstable may be turned into a unique luxury hotel compound if new plans get the go ahead.

Built in 1943, the Red Sands forts were designed to shoot down Nazi aircraft and to attack German mine-laying ships. They were decommissioned in 1956 and have been empty since the 1960s, when they were briefly used to transmit pirate radio.

Now plans have been drawn up to refurbish them as a luxurious hotel with guest suites, bars, restaurants, roof terraces and, of course, stunning sea views. The hotel would be able to cater for up to 44 guests.

The forts, better known as Maunsell Forts – named for their designer Guy Maunsell – sit around seven miles off the coast of Whitstable and can only be reached by boat or helicopter. Fortunately, the Operations Red Sands development proposals feature a helipad.

Grand: the development would include high-end bars and restaurants  www.operationredsandforts.com
www.operationredsandforts.com

Plans came to light after agency Next Big Thing Creative, who helped redevelop the Battersea Power Station, released images of what the proposed site would look like.

Though there is no known owner of the forts, any alteration of them would require the consent of the Crown, the Maritime Marine Organisation and the Port of London Authority, as well as substantial investment. The man behind Operation Red Sands, David Cooper, has estimated the refurbishment costs would likely be as much as £40 million.

The project is currently searching for the developer.

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

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