Renovation of the Rum Store
We are working with UK Docks to renovate a derelict Grade II listed building in the heart of Royal Clarence Yard.
£11m from the Government is being match-funded by site owners UK Docks to bring the building into use as commercial employment space for marine businesses, along with a rooftop bar enjoying views across the harbour.
It's also a key location along the waterfront walking route, and along with improvements to the public realm could catalyse an increase in footfall to Royal Clarence Yard and beyond.
The plans for the Rum Store
UK Docks is leading the redevelopment of the derelict building to bring it into use, mainly as employment space for the growing marine industry based nearby.
With easy access to the water, and a rich maritime heritage, the Rum Store could offer excellent facilities for businesses like yacht brokers and naval architects. Other units are earmarked for retail and leisure, including a possible rooftop terrace bar and restaurant.
What's happening next
Planning and Listed Building Consent has been granted for the repair works. Planning and Listed Building Consent for the alterations has been submitted and are available for public feedback on the Gosport Borough Council website via Public Access. Search for the applications using the reference numbers below:
- Listed Building Consent Application: 25/00062/LBA
- Planning Application: 25/00061/FULL
If approved, initial works are expected to begin in spring 2025, with full building works underway in the summer. The building is expected to open for use in 2027.
What's happened so far
November 2024 - UK Docks hold a public event to get feedback on initial proposals for the Rum Store
October 2024 - UK Docks publish initial plans for restoring the fabric of the Rum Store, and comments are invited through the planning system.
November 2023 - the Government announced that Gosport was being awarded £18m from the Levelling Up Fund for two projects - improving the public realm on the waterfront and renovating the Rum Store.
FAQs
Why is the Rum Store being renovated?
The 'Rum Store' is a key part of the jigsaw of our waterfront and restoring it will create new employment space and a new leisure destination for visitors. It's also a key location along the waterfront walking route, and along with improvements to the public realm could catalyse an increase in footfall to Royal Clarence Yard and beyond.
Where is the money coming from for this project?
The estimated cost of renovating the building is £22m, half of which is from the Government's Levelling Up Fund, and the other half is match-funded by the building's owners, UK Docks.
When will we see the changes begin?
Work is expected to begin on the building in summer 2025, with a view to it opening for use in 2027.
About Levelling Up Funding
In 2023 Gosport Borough Council was successfully awarded Government Levelling Up funding to help improve the public realm 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. It also includes funding to renovate the Rum Store building, match funded by the site owner UK Docks.
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