A Government grant of more than £11m has been awarded to UK Docks for the renovation of the historic Rum Store building at Victoria Quay in Gosport.
The money will help bring back to life and use an iconic building which was at the heart of the Royal Navy supply chain during Victorian times when sailors were given ‘rum rations’ during their service in what was the biggest fleet in the world.
The money from the Levelling Up Fund - £11,156,400 exactly - will be used by UK Docks to breathe new life into one of the most deprived constituencies in the country.
The Fund has given just over 18m in all to Gosport Borough Council to invest in works on Gosport’s historic waterfront.
The centrepiece will be the £11m investment in the Rum Store but the remainder will be spent on creating space for skilled marine employment and reconnecting the town centre to the waterfront.
The derelict Grade II listed building will eventually deliver mixed-use space while public realm enhancements to the route between the waterfront and town centre will increase footfall between the areas and provide a new route connecting Gosport’s historic fortifications.
UK Docks managing director, Jonathan Wilson, said: “This is great news for Victoria Quay and for the people of Gosport.
“For us, it's a fantastic opportunity to work with Gosport Borough Council on the project Reconnecting Historic Gosport Waterfront.
“The Rum Store is a wonderful ex-Ministry of Defence Grade II Listed Building in Royal Clarence Yard that is steeped in history and which now has the chance to be repaired and regenerated to boost economic development in the area.
“This news has come at a critical point for the Rum Store building which couldn’t have been better timed as it will now unlock the full potential of Victoria Quay as a focal point for marine services and business.
“It will also enhance the quality of life for those living in Gosport and its surrounding areas and we can’t wait to get started.”
UK Docks has invested heavily in the deep water berthing facility since acquiring it and improvements have included a 75T amphibious boat hoist, a 50T boat transporter and a 55T mobile crane.
The 5.7-acre site, which offers marine servicing and specialist facilities also has a new, smooth transportation road surface and a refreshment shop run by T by the Sea, that offers high-quality freshly cooked food and beverages.
Jonathan said: “We’re very proud at UK Docks in terms of what we have achieved at Victoria Quay over the last few years but the Levelling Up Fund investment will be a real game changer for the area and we’re determined to play our part in creating something the whole community can be proud of.”
The news was welcomed by Gosport MP, Caroline Dinenage, who has been lobbying hard for investment and had pointed out to new Levelling Up Minister, Jacob Young MP that Gosport was one of only two constituencies to not receive Levelling Up funding, despite its Priority 1 status.
She said: “I am thrilled Gosport has finally received the Levelling Up Funding so desperately deserves to help reinvigorate our town, create jobs and attract visitors to our area and help realise our huge potential.
“I was delighted to support the Council’s Reconnecting Historic Gosport Waterfront project and look forward to working with them to move this forward.”
