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English Heritage highlighted a cluster of sites, many of which are listed buildings. The public body lists locations which are in need of immediate attention so they can be preserved for future generations.
Work has been carried out on several sites which have been listed. Expansion conservation efforts have been undertaken to progress with Fort Widley, one of the many Palmerston forts built between 1861 and 1870.
Bastion No.1 in Gosport was removed from the list after being transformed into a public green space. The site is part of the old defences of Gosport, built between 1797 and 1802 as part of a larger line of earthworks and forts called the Gosport Lines.
While there have been recent success stories, many other locations need urgent action to be saved. HMNB Portsmouth contains various sites dating back to the 1700s and 1800s. Here are the sites at the naval base and around the dockyard on English Heritage’s at risk register.
1. Former Royal Naval Academy - HMNB Portsmouth
One of the oldest structures at Portsmouth Naval Base, this building is a Georgian forerunner of the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth. It has long been vacant, with its natural ventilation and background heating being introduced and furnishings removed to reduce damp levels. Remedial works to roof coverings and parapet gutters have reduced water ingress and the dry rot appears to be dying back. The cupola has been repainted. Asbestos has been found in the roof and must be removed before full surveys can be undertaken. The Grade II* listed building has been given a priority C grade and is described as being in "poor condition". | Contributed
2. Iron and Brass Foundry - HMNB Portsmouth
The Iron foundry and smithery, built 1857-1861 by Col GT Greene RE and Andrew Murray, Chief Engineer, was extended in 1878 with later alterations. The main part of the building was converted to office use in 2003. The east wing (Building 1/136) remains unused and at risk. There were concerns over drainage and regular flooding of the building but this has been resolved. Roof repairs are due to be undertaken. It has been given a priority C Grade, and is suffering from “slow decay”. It is a - Grade II* listed building and is described as being in a fair condition. | Contributed Photo: Contributed
3. The Parade, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
The terrace of dockyard officers' lodgings was built in 1715-19 and was partially converted to office use but is now empty. Historic England said it was prone to wet rot and some structural movement and some structural and drainage problems persist between the main building and the rear extensions. An extensive programme of repair is underway. The Grade II* listed building is described as being in a fair condition. | Google Maps
4. No. 25 Store, Yard Services Manager's Office, Jago Road, HM Naval Base, Portsmouth
The two storey storehouse of 1782, with internal courtyard is in a poor condition and vacant, Historic England said. There is some evidence of water ingress and pigeon infestation. Some remedial works have been completed and further roof works are planned. The Ministry of Defence is in discussion with a potential user of the building, to take occupation once repairs are complete. Photo: English Heritage