ENGLISH Heritage has today unveiled plans to spend £1 million on vital repairs to one of the south’s best-known landmarks.

The scheme aims to repair the ravages of time by restoring parts of Hurst Castle, including gun emplacements, a wartime lookout tower and a searchlight position on the roof.

Much-needed improvements will also be carried out to two armoured wings that were added to the original fort in the 19th century.

Built by Henry VIII to counter the threat of French aggression the 573-year-old structure also helped defend Britain from the Nazis.

Roy Porter, properties director at English Heritage, said: “Hurst Castle is a fascinating and important site. Its features show how this strategic spot was defended from invasion during the reign of Henry VIII and in subsequent centuries right up to the Second World War.

“English Heritage is committed to the conservation of the historic buildings in our care and is investing significantly in doing so.”

Jason Crane, director of Hurst Marine, which manages the site on behalf of English Heritage, added: “Hurst Castle is a significant British landmark in coastal defence history and one which we should celebrate and preserve.

“We’re delighted that English Heritage has invested in improvement works to the castle to ensure the building remains structurally sound for future generations to enjoy.”

The condition of the 573-year-old structure has been causing concern for some time.

In 2013 it was revealed that huge waves were damaging part of the fortification following a sudden shift in the pattern of coastal erosion.

Emergency talks took place involving representatives from New Forest District Council and English Heritage.

Speaking at the time a member of the Friends of Hurst Castle group said: “The pattern of coastal erosion has changed dramatically in the past six months.

“Shingle separating the waves from the castle is being eroded away, threatening part of the ancient monument. Some of the stone cladding has fallen away and part of the foundations has been exposed.

“It’s very difficult to judge what will happen next but we could lose portions of the southern wall if nothing is done. That would call into question the safety of the structure and public access might be denied.”

Hurst Castle occupies part of an exposed spit that juts out into the Solent.

It was built between 1541 and 1544 to guard the Needles Passage, the narrow waterway between the mainland and the Isle of Wight.

In the 1860s huge extensions were added as part of a campaign to make the Solent area one of the most heavily fortified parts of the UK.