Plans for £22m renovation of 150-year-old Rum Store building revealed
Initial proposals to restore a derelict Grade II listed building at the heart of Gosport's waterfront have been published.
The Rum Store in Victoria Quay used to house the entire Royal Navy store of rum rations - but over the years fell into disrepair.
A proposed renovation could create nearly 7000sqm of mixed-use employment space, mainly for maritime businesses like yacht brokers and naval architects. Other units are earmarked for retail and leisure, including a possible rooftop terrace bar and restaurant with views across Portsmouth Harbour.
It's expected that the restored building, if completed as proposed in Summer 2026, could create up to 200 jobs and boost the local economy by £11m a year.
Proposed works to renovate the building include:
The Rum Store in Victoria Quay used to house the entire Royal Navy store of rum rations - but over the years fell into disrepair.
A proposed renovation could create nearly 7000sqm of mixed-use employment space, mainly for maritime businesses like yacht brokers and naval architects. Other units are earmarked for retail and leisure, including a possible rooftop terrace bar and restaurant with views across Portsmouth Harbour.
It's expected that the restored building, if completed as proposed in Summer 2026, could create up to 200 jobs and boost the local economy by £11m a year.
Proposed works to renovate the building include:
- Specialist conservation repairs to the historic structure
- Reconstruction of collapsed floors
- New open plan gallery entrance with staircase and lifts
- Reconstruction of the second floor which was demolished following World War II bomb damage
- Construction of a rooftop bar and terrace
The project is led by UK Docks and Pritchard Architecture with the support of Gosport Borough Council, and funding from the UK Government.
Councillor Peter Chegwyn, Leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: "The Rum Store is a key piece of the jigsaw of improving Gosport's waterfront. Not only could this project restore a derelict historic building, it'll create a new commercial and leisure destination for people to enjoy. We hope it'll welcome more residents and visitors alike to explore a more connected waterfront."
Ben Mason, Portfolio Manager at Victoria Quay, said: "This project could provide huge opportunities for Gosport residents and businesses. Working with Gosport Borough Council has given us access to government funding and helped unlock solutions to problems that were bigger than just our site at Victoria Quay, such as local infrastructure. The council has big plans for regeneration in the borough and we're delighted to be a partner in that."
Full details can be seen in the planning portal on the Gosport Borough Council website.
Reconnecting Gosport's historic waterfront
The Rum Store is a part of the council's wider plans to revitalise and reconnect the town's historic waterfront.
In 2023 Gosport Borough Council was awarded Government Levelling Up funding to renovate the Rum Store building, match funded by the site owner UK Docks.
The Council's bid also included support for public realm improvements along the waterfront to encourage more residents and visitors to discover the attractions and businesses on that route. This will include creating new physical links to help more people access our waterfront, and telling the story of our heritage through wayfinding, public art and more.
The successful funding bid of £18m, when combined with UK Docks' contribution to the Rum Store, represents £30m total investment in revitalising the town's economy.
Find out more about the project to restore Gosport's Waterfront on the Gosport Borough Council website.
Published: 2 October 2024
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