This project focuses on restoring and redeveloping a specific element of European architectural heritage: former defence lines created during the Napoleonic era within or outside a number of cities of the NWE region. Conservation through re-development is the underlying philosophy behind this project. To achieve this, the three partners from Belgium, the Netherlands and the UK will focus around four specific objectives. Firstly to develop and test innovative restoration techniques (particularly as regards brick restoration and climate control) as well as the use of sustainable energies. Secondly the partnership will make concrete investments to open up certain fortifications to the general public. In the UK, two Martello towers will be developed into multifunctional visitors centre, using arts as a means of communicating their value whilst in the Netherlands and Belgium two forts will be developed as a themed ‘fortress inn’ and a creative barracks for low impact tourism. These pilot projects will serve as testing grounds for the restoration techniques described above as well as for web-based visitor interpretation modules. There will be a strong transfer of knowledge at transnational level: each partner will visit and take part in the other restoration projects so as to share experience from the implementation of innovative restoration techniques, each partner will benefit from the input of a team of international experts and a range of promotion tools (brochures, website, travelling display) will be developed to raise public awareness and put defence lines ‘back on the map’. Achievements: The main outcome is the successful re-opening of all forts involved