Hampshire museum may see explosion of interest
A struggling museum which has been saved is hoping to bring in crowds of tourists and put Gosport on the map.
Damien Wilson, the new director of economic development, tourism and the arts at Gosport Council, believes a future for Explosion! museum will mean a big boost for the town.
The news comes as Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust – which owns Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – is in final negotiations with the council on the acquisition of Priddy's Hard and the museum.
As reported earlier this week, the trust has confirmed that it will be taking on 40m plans which were abandoned by Verve Properties earlier this year.
Mr Wilson said: 'If just some of their current 470,000 visitors a year make the journey across the harbour to enjoy Explosion! or the Royal Naval Submarine Museum, it has to be great news for Gosport.
'It will really put the town on the map as part of a harbourwide visitor destination.'
The trust will take over the running of the museum from May 1 and the redevelopment of the former munitions site will begin in 12 months, with the whole project is due to be completed in about five years.
The trust is also in talks about developing a hotel on the site.
It hopes to introduce a summer waterbus service linking Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to Priddy's Hard, the Royal Navy Submarine Museum and Gunwharf Quays.
Plans for 80 flats, sports and leisure facilities, shops, business units and studios are also under discussion.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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