CtL Information
Project Information

The Crossing the Lines project developed and implemented knowledge on restoration techniques (climate control and brick work) and the use of sustainable energy for (post) Napoléonic fortifications through transnational studies and investment pilots. Placement visits were included in the project to maximise the mutual benefit of pilots for all partners. Techniques are tried at one location and if considered to be the best solution, implemented at other locations.

Open to the public

The partners in Crossing the lines invested in opening up of fortification sites to the public and developed new presentation techniques on visiting opportunities, history and current use of post Napoléonic fortifications. Jaywick Martello Tower (Essex) is developed into a multifunctional visitors centre, using arts as a means to communicate its historical value. In Tilbury Fort a more appealing presentation of the fort to the public is realised. Fort aan de Klop (Utrecht) will be redeveloped as "fortress inn" with a hostel, a teahouse and a small campground for low impact tourism and will be opened in the summer of 2007. Fort IV (Mortsel) is transformed into "creative barracks", including both local functions and functions beyond local scope.

Joint strategy: protection of defence lines

The project aimed at strenghtening the cooperation between (post) Napoléonic fortifications in Northwest Europe. The results of the project are disseminated to relevant stakeholders. The opportunities are explored to develop a strategy for the protection of defence lines all over Northwest Europe - linking up with the European Spatial Development Perspective (ESDP) and the Spatial Vision. In addition, Crossing the lines aimed at improving the input for the further implementation of spatial visions on the redevelopment of defence lines where such visions are present. Spatial visions are developed where these did not exist. All this is based on the experiences gained in the project and the experiences of other parties currently involved in redevelopment of defence lines.

Information

Crossing the Lines makes knowledge and information gained in this project available to: the general public, other fortifications and parties relevant for the protection and opening up of defence lines. This is achieved through an international publication exploring the visiting opportunities of the forts, webbased interactive information modules, an international touring exhibition, newsletters and a permanent network of defence lines (foundation).