THE first glimpse of what a restored Rum Store in Gosport’s Victoria Quay will look like after its impending multi-million-pound renovation has been revealed.
The architect’s impression of the transformed derelict Grade II listed building shows an impressive, elegant structure which transforms the original Victorian warehouse into a perfectly appointed 21st-century facade,
The reimagined Rum Store on Victoria Quay in Gosport as it will look after renovation and return to public function.
Published by Gosport Borough Council, the design illustrates how the 150-year-old building will transition from a redundant site into an engine of regeneration for the local community.
The UK Docks-owned building was formerly the house of the entire Royal Navy store of rum rations but ran into decline in the early years of the 20th century and was critically damaged in the Second World War when German bombs destroyed most of the first floor of the vast building.
The Rum Store as it currently stands with much of its outer facade retained but almost entirely derelict inside.
Now it is set to transform from an eyesore into a centre of growth, with a restored building being the centrepiece of a transformative reimagining of Victoria Quay.
The proposed renovation would create nearly 7,000 sqm of mixed-use employment space, mainly for maritime businesses like yacht brokers and naval architects.
Other units in the building 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 could be completed as early as summer 2026, creating up to 200 jobs and boosting the local economy by £11m a year.
Costing £22m, the revamp would see the Grade II listed property turned into mixed employment space with some retail and leisure units.
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 Marine Servies and Pritchard Architecture with the support of Gosport Borough Council, sponsored by a grant from the Government’s Levelling-Up fund.
In 2023, Gosport Borough Council led a bid for Government Levelling Up funding to renovate the Rum Store building, match-funded by 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 the waterfront while telling the story of heritage through wayfinding, public art and more.
Ben Mason, UK Docks 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."
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."
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.