'Huge' enabling works completed at dilapidated Royal Navy Rum Store in Gosport ahead of next phase

Vital works have been completed at the dilapidated Royal Navy Rum Store ahead of the next phase of the transformation project.

Crucial early phase tasks have been completed at the site in Victoria Quay, Gosport. These extensive enabling works provide a platform for the rest of the 150-year-old site into a vibrant space for businesses, under the guidance of UK Docks Marine Services.

Business development director, Ben Mason, who said: “A lot of work has gone into the site to get us to this point, although, to the public, not much of it might be obvious. Now, the repairs will start to become visible. It’s the nature of these projects though, a huge amount of work has to go in, just to get to the starting line, where you begin to see the transformation of the building itself. This groundwork is essential in ensuring that what comes next is delivered in the way it should be.”

The Grade II listed structure was originally built to store alcohol, sugar and beer so sailors at Portsmouth Naval Base could get their rum rations. It was a vibrant hub of activity in Victorian times and afterwards, but by the 1970s, it fell into disrepair.

Gosport Borough Council was awarded £11m from the Government's Local Regeneration Fund in 2023 to renovate the Rum Store building at the former Royal Clarence Yard. That funding allowed UK Docks to match the sum in the hopes of turning the building into a major local community asset. Work on the £22m transformation began last autumn. In October 2025, with local architects, Pritchard Architecture, have been working on the ambitious project.

The renovated structure will boats panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour, with the renovation work part of the local authority’s ambition to restore Gosport’s waterfront. Projections are that £11m will be generated from the increased footfall and other sources, with 150-200 jobs.

Nearly 7,000 sqm of mixed-use space will be created in an effort to breath new life into the area. Painstaking efforts are being made to safeguard the architectural and historical interest of the building, protecting its character and appeal.

Mr Mason added: “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. We plan to keep issuing regular updates as work continues on making this area one of the jewels in the crown for Gosport.”

Prospective business owners interested in a Rum Store premises when its completed can email [email protected].