 Initially the range was only used in the summer, but its use grew significantly during the Crimean War and from 1854 it was established as a permanent station.The officers' mess was set up in a former Coastguard station on what is now Mess Road, facing the sea; officers were accommodated in the terrace of coastguard cottages, to which a library and dining room were added in 1852.A simple 'hut barracks' was also built on the sea front, to the north-east (on what is now Parade Walk); and in 1856 a garrison hospital was established nearby.