History buffs around the world will now be able to access a rarely-seen Napoleonic fort for the first time. The Welsh fort, which defended Britain from French invasion, will be joined to the mainland thanks to a 328ft footbridge across the sea. Known as St Catherine's Island, and home to the historic tower and gun rooms, can currently only be reached by crossing a beach during low tide, which happens for only six hours per day. A rarely-seen Napoleonic fort, off the coast of Tenby, will now be accessible via footbridge for the first time . But tomorrow, planners are due to approve a new footbridge, which will stretch more than 328 ft (100 metres). This connector will open up the island from the coast of Tenby, Pembrokeshire, for the first time. Developer Peter Prosser wants to make the island accessible to sightseers in order for them to explore the fort, built in 1867, and also for visitors to experience the stunning views. He said: 'Putting a bridge across is integral and that 100m is critical. 'The tides limit pedestrian access to the island to one week in two and for a maximum of six hours per day.' Currently, the fort on St Catherine's Island can only be reached by crossing a beach during low tide . The new visitor site will provide economic benefit, and also restore the historical building to its former glory . It's expected that the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority will approve the plans, which also include an on-site gift shop, security office and paths. Not only will the new visitor attraction provide economic benefit, but it will also protect the integrity of the historic building, which was home to a Napoleonic lookout post. Such a reopening is also noteworthy as it's has been closed to the public since the 1970s, when it was turned into a zoo. The soon-to-be-opened island also plans to host historical, nature and stargazing exhibitions in the future . Mr Prosser said that though the concept of a bridge has been approved, the specific design needs to be approved. Although there was only a small church on the 200m long island for generations, it was taken over by the War Office in the 1860s to house a fort. History lovers will know that Pembrokeshire was the scene of the last attempted invasion of Britain in 1797. The soon-to-be-opened island also hopes to host historical, nature and stargazing exhibitions in the future.
St Catherine's Island in Pembrokeshire will now be easily accessible with a new 100m footbridge . Currently, the island can only be reached by crossing a beach during low tide . The bridge, expected to be approved tomorrow, will allow history buffs to explore the fort, which was built in 1867 .