At the Castletown D-Day Centre, supporting local causes isn’t just something we do, it’s a core part of who we are. Our commitment to community, heritage, and regeneration has long guided our work, and it was with immense pride that we recently contributed to the restoration of one of Portland’s most historic landmarks: the High Angle Battery.
Breathing Life Back Into the High Angle Battery
Built in the 1890s to defend Portland Harbour, the High Angle Battery played a critical role during wartime, including serving as an ammunition storage site in the lead-up to D-Day. In recent years, the site had fallen into disrepair.
However, a major regeneration effort has now brought it back to life. Thanks to a £5,000 donation from the Castletown D-Day Centre, led by our founder and chairman Derek Luckhurst, project organisers were able to apply for and successfully secure an additional £250,000 grant to complete the restoration.
The refurbished site, which is now open to the public free of charge, features improved access, new footpaths and a nearby car park, along with newly installed signage and an engaging display that helps visitors connect with the site’s history. The transformation was the result of a powerful collaboration between the D-Day Centre, Dorset Council, Portland Town Council, the UK National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Fine Family Foundation, and event hosts b-side.
Derek Luckhurst, along with D-Day Centre manager Steve Cleaver, attended the official reopening of the site and the launch of the Towns of Culture initiative. Their presence marked not just a celebration of this particular project, but a recognition of the broader impact that Derek and the Luckhurst family have made across Portland through years of sustained investment and passion for regeneration.
Listen to Derek Luckhurst’s speech at the High Angle Battery Opening Ceremony
The Castletown Regeneration Project
Derek’s support for the regeneration of Portland and the preservation of its heritage is epitomised by his Castletown Regeneration Project. This long-term initiative has helped breathe new life into the area surrounding the D-Day Centre.
From creating luxury self-catering accommodation at Crabbers’ Wharf to developing the award-winning D-Day Centre itself, his vision has reshaped Castletown into a vibrant, welcoming destination. He also established the area’s tourist information centre, opened a new convenience store to serve the local community, and relocated Agincare’s head office to the historic naval bakery building; bringing jobs and economic growth back to Portland.
A Legacy of Local Giving
This community-first approach continues through the next generation. Derek’s son, Adam Luckhurst, is a key figure in local charitable initiatives. As a member of Weymouth & Portland Round Table, Adam is one of the main organisers of SummerFest, a popular one-day charity festival that has raised over £30,000 in just two years for important local causes. These include significant donations to the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Weymouth Lifeboat, as well as the installation of a life-saving defibrillator at the harbourside.
Investing in Portland’s Future
The restoration of the High Angle Battery stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to preserving the past while investing in the future.
For us at the D-Day Centre, this project was never just about bricks and mortar. It was about honouring history, creating opportunities, and ensuring that the spirit of Portland continues to inspire generations to come.
We are proud to have played a part in this important restoration and remain deeply committed to supporting projects that protect, celebrate, and uplift the local community. As always, our doors are open to anyone who wants to learn more about Portland’s rich history, or be part of its bright future.