A brand new £20,000 information kiosk and shop has been opened at Harwich’s Redoubt Fort - bringing a taste of luxury to volunteers who man the 19th century visitor attraction all the year round.

The kiosk, designed by local architect, John Macpherson, and paid for mainly by a local benefactor was officially opened on Sunday morning by the Mayor of Harwich, Dave Mcleod. Its design has been praised by English Heritage and is intended to be maintenance ffree for the next 30 years.

According to Colin Farnell, chairman of the Harwich Society, which manages the fort, the new facilities will delight society members who have helped out at the site for years with limited resources.

“Our volunteers have been fantastic as they have put up with rather primitive conditions in the old hut. They now have a Rolls-Royce facility with previously unknown luxuries, such as heating and draught-proof windows. It’s absolutely fantastic!”

The Redoubt is a well-known landmark in the town and was built in 1810 to protect the port of Harwich against the threat of Napoleonic invasion. It was part of the scheme that included the construction of 29 Martello Towers on the East Anglian coast.

Mr Farnell added: “We are so grateful to everyone who has played a part in ensuring that the next 30 years will be a lot more comfortable for our volunteers than the last 30 years have been.

“We are immensely proud of all that has been achieved in the restoration and upkeep of the Redoubt Fort and we now have an information kiosk and shop to be proud of as well.”