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Fort Gilkicker
Marie Percival, Estates Surveyor for Hampshire County Council, has kindly provided us with a copy of her press release on Fort Gilkicker, published earlier this year. In view of the current interest and debate on the subject, we thought Society members would like to see it:
“Hampshire County Council acquired this Grade II*, Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1986 in order to protect the fort’s future, together with ensuring an appropriate alternative sustainable use could be found to maintain the structure for future generations. Conversion to residential was identified as the most viable route to achieve this objective.
In January 2007, the County Council commenced a national marketing campaign. Strong interest was received from developers and architects, which reflected the unique opportunity presented by the fort’s character and prominent location at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour.
To ensure appropriate restoration and conversion of the structure, the County Council stated from the outset that submitted bids would be design-led, incorporating dual best practice in heritage restoration and sustainable development principles. Shortlisted submissions were assessed by means of an on-site presentation by developers of their design proposals to representatives of English Heritage, Gosport Borough Council’s Senior Conservation Officer and officers from Hampshire County Council.
The selected developer, Askett-Hawk Developments, and its architects FSP, have extensive experience in historic building restoration, conversion and sustainable construction methods. Previous projects include the Albert Docks in Liverpool, the largest group of Grade I Listed Buildings in the U.K. West India Warehouses at Canary Wharf, also Grade I and the Royal Mills in Manchester.
They have proposed an approach that would restore the Fort to its 1871 appearance as far as possible which has been endorsed by the English Heritage Scheduled Ancient Monument team. Under the proposals later additions to the Fort would be removed including two thirds of the bank to the frontage, with two large embanked areas to the eastern and western flanks of the fort becoming improved public viewing platforms. The developer would also look to retain and restore as many original features as possible, and will be required to obtain consent for all works from English Heritage in addition to obtaining planning permission.
Sustainable construction methods are also core to the overall development to reflect the physical location of the fort adjacent to international conservation designations (RAMSAR) and the lagoon which is designated a SSSI (site of special scientific interest). Best practice methods will seek to incorporate measures to reduce water consumption, rainwater harvesting, construction materials from local and or renewable sources, ground source heating systems, high levels of insulation and the generation of power through solar technology. For example, it is proposed to recreate the original grass roof to the fort, irrigating it from rainwater collected in a large underground tank.
Throughout the marketing process discussions have been held with County Councillors, Gosport Borough Council, English Heritage, Natural England, the local MP, the Palmerston Fort Society, Gosport Society, Solent Protection Forum, Stokes Bay Society, and the Gilkicker Action Group.
Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: “Fort Gilkicker is a historic monument that deserves to be given a new lease of life, if we want to keep this part of Gosport’s heritage we need to do something. Askett -Hawk Developments and FSP have an excellent track record in restoration and preservation, creating residential properties that are sensitive and respectful of the building’s origins. The County Council will continue to work closely with the developers, English Heritage and Gosport Borough Council to ensure that conservation and sustainability remain key in developing these proposals further. The plans will also be put out for consultation as we want to ensure that the local communities' views are heard.”
Architect Michael Franklin of FSP Architects said: “We and Askett-Hawk Developments are delighted to be entrusted with the rescue of this exceptionally important building. Although, as a team, we have restored many historic buildings Fort Gilkicker is unique and has the potential to become the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Gosport. Working with the communities of Gosport and Stokes Bay we intend to deliver a building which they, and more importantly their children will be proud of.” Dr Richard Massey, Inspector of Ancient Monuments, English Heritage said: “English Heritage welcomes an opportunity to work closely with Hampshire County Council and the developer in securing a sustainable, long-term solution for the fort, which embraces both good conservation practice and exciting contemporary design.”
Personal View There is a great deal of work to be done by the preferred developer and their team, not withstanding planning consent, they must also obtain the very difficult Scheduled Ancient Monument consent. This involves the provision of archaeological information from the site, together with detailed information on the methods of working and materials to be used etc, all to be approved by the Secretary of State, advised by English Heritage. Other consents will be required from statutory bodies such as the Environment Agency, MOD and Natural England (previously English Nature).
It is hoped that these consents could be in place by the summer to autumn of next year. The developer would then require to mobilise specialist experienced contractors to restore and convert the Fort back to its original 1871 configuration. I'd like to hope that work could be started on site from early to mid 2009, if it was any earlier I would be extremely pleased, but being realistic, I know just how long it takes to obtain all the approvals and consents. Then, if the restoration and conversion work doesn't hit any serious issues with the structure or similar, the project could be complete within 3 years of starting work on site.
Throughout the whole process, Hampshire County Council will work
with, and offer support to the preferred developer in order that the
fort is restored to its former glory. In my opinion, Fort Gilkicker will be an amazing landmark for Gosport to be duly proud of.
Marie Percival, BA, FRICS |