A stretch of coastline in the historic Shoebury Garrison is to be opened up for the first time in more than 150 years as part of massive redevelopment.

The 180-acre garrison site, including several miles of coastline, has been off limits ever since the Army moved in during the 1850s.

In 1976, the Army moved out and the area has been left a ghost town ever since.

The Ministry of Defence sold the land in 2000.

Now, redevelopment by GladeDale Homes is well under way, with 136 homes on the Horseshoe Barracks site due for completion this year.

Demand has been exceptionally high, with all but five of the houses already sold and a further 329 houses planned in the next phases of development.

Anna Fisher, head of new homes at Dedman's, the agents for the site, said: "A huge area of land along the seafront will be opened up as public space. This will include the beachfront along the entire perimeter of the garrison site, which will be the first time it has been available to the public since the 1850s."

Published Wednesday, January 8, 2003

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