Former Gosport police barracks to be saved by £400,000 grant

Historic England has awarded £399,983 to Hornet Services Sailing Club (HSSC) for repairs to the former police barracks in the Haslar Gunboat Yard, Gosport

The money will be used to prevent further deterioration to the building, so it can be used for future projects.

HSSC hopes to reuse the site to provide facilities and storage for both its sailing club members and local charitable groups such as the sea cadets.

Club commodore, Rear Admiral Richard Stokes CBE, said: ‘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.’

The grant from Historic England is the latest in a string of intiatives in Gosport, totalling more than £1m.

Through the heritage action zone, which has already pumped £1.8m into the high street, the goal is to understand, protect and celebrate the town’s rich and unique heritage.

Duncan Wilson, Historic England chief executive, 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.’

The former police barracks has been on the Heritage At Risk Register since 1996.

Along with the old police barracks, the nearby guardhouse – also a grade two listed building – will also be restored by HSSC.

The sailing club is already in the process of developing a business plan for the site.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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