A COUNCIL says it has offered to take on a historic military site in Gosport which could ultimately create hundreds of jobs.

Gosport Borough Council has revealed it may buy land at Royal Clarence Yard for redevelopment if an agreement could be reached with current owners, the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, creating hundreds of new jobs.

The land and buildings at the southern end of Royal Clarence Yard have been a bone of contention between the council and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation for more than 10 years.

The MOD had offered to sell the site to the council for just £1.

But the council says the estimated market value is “minus £2m” because of contamination and structural and flooding issues.

Councillor Mark Hook, the leader of Gosport Borough Council added that the council would buy the site if the Ministry of Defence the authority offered them a £2m cash sum to take on the site’s renovation or include selling Fort Blockhouse, a Royal Navy site which is earmarked for closure in 2020.

However, an MOD spokesperson denied it had received the offer.

Councillor Stephen Philpott, chairman of the Gosport Borough Council Economic Board added that the site was very important and could create hundreds of new jobs because of its deep waterfront location opening up the potential to attract hundreds of marine led businesses.

Councillor Philpott added that it would cost £6.7 million investment is required to make the buildings wind and watertight, prior to any required refurbishment taking place.

Further discussions could be held later this year.