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| SPITBANK FORT, THE SOLENT, SOUTHSEA, HAMPSHIRE, PO5 3LJ |
Sold Prior |
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VICTORIAN SEAFORT IN THE SOLENT IN USE AS A MUSEUM, PARTY & PRIVATE FUNCTION VENUE, WITH OWNERS/MANAGERS LIVING ACCOMMODATION AND PLANNING FOR ALTERNATIVE USES
Spitbank Fort is the epitome of the wonders of Victorian engineering having been originally built literally into The Solent in the 1860’s as part of a chain of land and sea forts in the area to defend Portsmouth and its vital dockyard against an invasion by the French. The invasion never came and so the forts became known collectively as "Palmerston’s Follies" after the then Prime Minister who authorised their construction - the final bill for Spitbank being close to £120,000.
By the end of the 19th Century the perceived threat had changed from an armada to that of light craft on lightening raids and so the forts were fitted with search lights and smaller, but more manoeuvrable, armaments to deal with this threat though, again, a shot was never fired in anger. During the Second World War the forts were fitted with anti aircraft guns and search lights as the area came under sustained air attack during the blitz of the winter in 1940-41. All of The Solent forts were declared surplus to Ministry of Defence requirements in the early 1960’s and Spitbank was sold into private ownership in 1982.
Spitbank is the smaller of the three sea forts visible from Southsea and is the closest to the mainland, being around 10-15 minutes by boat from Gunwharf Quays. This relatively short distance is a huge advantage in that the fort enjoys splendid isolation, but is close enough to shore as to be a manageable journey for most wishing to visit and being to the satisfaction of the Local and Fire Authorities, who have recently granted a licence for the venue for up to 500 visitor’s making it unique amongst the Solent's sea forts.
Of its larger brothers, "No Mans Land Fort" has been converted to provide a single dwelling while "Horse Sand Fort", which is the furthest seaward, has lain derelict for around half a century as it handicapped against alternative uses by its sheer size and distance from the shore.
Spitbank Fort opened in the mid 1980’s as a museum; a use which continues in part, but which has also been built upon as the fort is also used nowadays as a popular and sought after location for parties of all types and as an unusual venue for business meetings and conferences. The fort also opens on Sunday's from April-September for Sunday lunch and visits by the general public. Spitbank Fort has its own website www.spitbankfort.co.uk, which includes more stunning images and a virtual tour facility.
The fort has the benefit of Planning Consents for other commercial and residential uses, including conversion to form a single dwelling house to provide stunning seven-bedroom accommodation with sun decks and a helipad. The ultimate “away from it all” location!
Alternatively, Planning Consent has also been granted to enhance the existing residential accommodation and to build on Spitbank’s existing commercial activities with the addition of the likes of a nightclub/casino, micro brewery, water bottling plant (utilising the existing 400' well) and a residential school.
Planning
Planning Permission has been granted by Portsmouth City Council, under reference: 09/00261/FUL, dated 29th May 2009, for conversion to form a single dwelling house, subject to conditions. In addition Planning Permission has also been granted, under reference: 09/00258/FUL, for conversion to form mixed use development including residential accommodation, bar/restaurant (A3), offices (B1A), residential school (C2), hostel (C1), night club/casino (D2), recording studio, classrooms, photographic studio, micro brewery and water bottling plant, additions to form extension to owners accommodation, helipad, solar panels, wind turbine and glazed canopy to court yard, subject to conditions. Copies of the Planning Consents and proposed plans are available for inspection at the Auctioneer's Office.
Viewing
Strictly by prior confirmed appointment with the Auctioneer's Office. There will be a charge of £10 per head for viewing to cover the ferry costs, payable directly to the ferry operator. Viewings will depart from the "ferry" pontoon at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.
Freehold with
Vacant Possession
IMPORTANT:
All lots are sold subject to the Common Auction Conditions and Special Conditions of Sale (unless varied by the Sellers Solicitors), together with the Addendum, which will be available on the Auction Day.
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