FORMER police barracks at a Victorian gunboat yard could be restored and given a new lease of life.

Planning chiefs have received an application to convert the Grade II-listed building into offices and classrooms for the Army Sailing Association.

The application describes the former Haslar Gunboat Yard at Gosport as a "unique" site that was built for the Royal Navy in the 1850s.

It adds: "The police barracks is located within the Haslar Conservation Area.

"The guardrooms, gatehouses and walls are leased by Hornet Services Sailing Club from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. The importance of these structures is recognised by their inclusion on the National List of Buildings of Architectural and Historic Interest.

"The proposals will conserve and enhance this heritage asset."

Daily Echo: Former police barracks at Haslar Gunboat Yard could be restored. Picture: Gosport Borough Council planning portal.Former police barracks at Haslar Gunboat Yard could be restored. Picture: Gosport Borough Council planning portal.

Referring to work already carried out the application adds: "Following the recent repairs, which secured the external shell, the building is no longer considered to be ‘at risk’.

"The speedy identification of a suitable proposed user will ensure ongoing maintenance. The building will be in daily use, with training courses for up to 12 students run throughout the year.

"The refurbishment work will secure the building’s future and maintenance for a most compatible use by the Army Sailing Association."

Summing up, the application adds: "The historic building will be enhanced by removal of later inappropriate alterations and will continue to form an important part of the Victorian gunboat yard."

Daily Echo: Former police barracks at Haslar Gunboat Yard could be restored. Picture: Gosport Borough Council planning portal.Former police barracks at Haslar Gunboat Yard could be restored. Picture: Gosport Borough Council planning portal.

A public notice outlining the scheme has been published by Gosport Borough Council.

Other public notices: Southampton City Council is closing Butts Road between its junctions with Butts Close and Crest Way from June 28 (8pm-6am) for manhole repair covers. The works are due to be completed by June 30.

Southampton City Council is closing part of Coxford Road from July 4 (9.30am-3.30pm) to enable telecoms equipment to be installed. The works are due to be completed by July 6.

Southampton City Council is closing Carlton Crescent between its junction with Rockstone Place and 8A Carlton Crescent from June 20 to enable a new water connection to be installed. The works are due to be completed by June 23.

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