Two of Gravesham’s most cherished heritage sites are set to benefit from a £3m government pledge to secure the future of the country’s coastal communities.

The Coastal Revival Fund has been set up to aid in the preservation of former military forts and historic buildings, with £45,000 committed to Gravesham’s New Tavern Fort and the Henry VIII Blockhouse.

Both will receive condition surveys and conservation management plans to identify what needs to be done to transform them into popular destinations for locals and visitors.

South East Local Enterprise Partnership, a private body dedicated to driving economic growth in the South East, welcomed the funding.

“Around our coastal communities there are many fabulous and long-loved buildings that are falling into a state of disrepair,” said Kent chairman Geoff Miles.

“This funding, when combined with the long standing commitment and support of the local communities, will help continue the process of bringing them back to their former glory.”

New Tavern Fort is the remains of an 18th century fort situated within the Fort Gardens, built to defend the Thames against the threat of a naval attack from France.

It was extensively rebuilt in the late 19th century and re-armed in 1904. It now houses reconstructions of scenes from Gravesend during the Second World War.

The blockhouse is even older, built for Henry VIII in 1539 to defend the approach to London from the threat of invasion but partially demolished in 1844.

Gravesham council is hoping the sites can become genuine attractions for the town once again.

“It is very welcome news that our bid was successful and there is a lot of work to be done to assess the condition of these historical assets,” said a spokesman.

“Once those surveys are complete we will have a clear idea of what needs to be done to restore and repair these two sites which will enable us to apply for further grants to carry out the works.”