The Admiralty Lookout

Neglect of the redundant joint services defence building following the end of WW2 had led to an urgent need to repair the unique structure, which formed part of the Scheduled Ancient Monument of Dover Castle.  In addition to the progressive loss of the historic fabric, made worse by the exposed location, being perched on the edge of the Cliffs overlooking the Straights of Dover and the harbour, there was concern with respect to the long term structural integrity of the roof-top observation deck which remained in use as a visitor attraction.

Repairs predominantly included the significant conservation and reconstruction of the ferro-concrete structural elements, heavy metalwork and reinstatement of the joinery interiors which had been removed from the building into storage in 1998.  The highest conservation standards were applied and in order to fully understand the complex heritage asset, the work included a programme of detailed archival research and materials/ paint analysis to properly inform the specifications for repair.  A further aspect included measures to enable improved visitor access.  This necessitated the partial excavation to former levels which had been buried when the adjacent land area was covered over, to a depth of approximately one metre, when some associated military buildings were demolished in the 1960s.

From a point of severe dilapidation, the building now resembles its Second World War appearance, and provides improved interpretation of the site in the wider context of the Castle’s wartime tunnels and defences.