Hornet Services Sailing Club have been successful in their bid for funding from Historic England to repair the Grade II listed Police Barracks at the Haslar Gun Boat Yard.
The funds will repair one of the guardhouses that dates back to 1861 and was designed by William Scamp. It has been in the Gosport Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) - which aims to repair and reuse former defence sites - and on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk (HAR) Register since 1996. These repairs will take the guardhouse off the HAR Register.
The Sailing Club plan to make the guardhouse water tight and develop plans for its reuse. This includes providing facilities and storage for local organisations, such as the sea cadets.
Work is due to start on the site in May 2021.
The news has been welcomed by Caroline Dinenage MP, who met with Historic England recently in her capacity as Minister of State for Digital and Culture.
She commented:
“I am really pleased that the Sailing Club have received the vital funds they need from Historic England to repair the old Police Barracks and make them fit for purpose today.
“Our area has such a fantastic and rich naval history, but investment is needed to ensure that we can preserve this heritage and it can be used and enjoyed by future generations.”
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of History England said:
“I’m delighted that this building, which has lain unused for so many years, is set to have a second lease of life while retaining its link to the seafaring history of Gosport. By investing in Gosport via the Heritage Action Zone and working closely with partners, we are using the rich historic environment as an anchor to support the town’s regeneration to benefit the local community.”
Rear Admiral Richard Stokes CBE, Club Commodore stated:
“The former Police Barracks are a unique feature in the history and heritage of this important site in Gosport. Hornet Services Sailing Club is proud to be involved in the conservation of the Police Barracks and we are extremely grateful to Historic England for placing their trust in the Club and awarding a significant grant towards the repair and restoration of the roof and external building structures that will pave the way to bring the building back into use.”