What should be done with Fort Gilkicker?

[David]

Hampshire County Council want to develop Fort Gilkicker as a set of luxury apartments. Do you agree with this use of an Ancient Monument or do you think another use would be viable?

[orack50]

I belve that it is important to preserve the costal forts and buildings we have, as they are a vast archive of are modern history
But in order to survive they must have some commercial interest .The piers at Brighton are a case in point
I see that a prison has been turned into a hotel
Some type of commercial development, together with sensible non obstructive use of the listed buildings rules is essential to the preservation this irreplaceable part if our history

[swfcswfc99]

As an in-law to Fareham and frequent visitor to Stokes Bay, I have always liked Gilkicker.

It is a shame to see it worsen over time.

I have been involved with a number of projects that have seen the renovation of such buildings without losing the characteristics that make them special.

I would like to see Gilkicker get the same treatment and don't see why it wouldn't be a credit to the seafront if done with care and not entirely for profit (although it has to make commercial sense).

[john]

I no longer live in gosport but grew up there and had the privilage of access inside the fort in my youth.

It is sad to see that this important building has fallen into such disrepair.

I think the first question has to be whether the situation is redeemable. If it is, then I believe it should be developed for community use.

If it can be saved then what will preserve the structure from falling into worse repair? If it can at least be saved from further deterioration then future development can be undertaken at a later date or by a slow process.

The council should be considering the cost of such basic preservation.


John