Portsmouth Historic Dockyard’s ambitious fight back plan

Ambitious plans to revitalise Portsmouth Historic Dockyard into a ‘vibrant, living breathing community space’ have been unveiled as part of a fightback strategy following the coronavirus pandemic.

The news was announced by the Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust (PNBPT) as the organisation launched its new Historic Quarter Pass into the naval attraction. The pass will see the welcome return of free entry into the dockyard, allowing unprecedented access to the historic buildings preserved within the 12-acre site.

According to the Portsmouth News, heritage bosses have touted the move as a promising step forward, showing the dockyard is now starting to recover after a turbulent 19 months, blighted by lockdowns, closures and limited visitor numbers.

Hannah Prowse, chief executive of PNBPT, says this is part of the first phase of her long-term goals to help change how people view the dockyard. “We want to transform the historic quarter of the dockyard into a destination. This is your local history. These are your grandparents’ and great-grandparents’ history; this is how they made their living and why they lived in Portsmouth.

“You will experience many of the sights, sounds and smells that enveloped the dockyard for hundreds of years, while discovering new creations, exhibitions and installations that we’ve introduced within the historic grounds and buildings in recent months.

“It’s our mission to make the Historic Quarter at the dockyard accessible for everyone, where you can interact with active historic boats, tour the bustling boathouse, or simply soak up the atmosphere. The dockyard is yours to explore and enjoy.

“I want people to feel that sense of ownership and kinship with the place. We have a beautiful history and heritage in the city that I want to celebrate.”

Among the areas the Historic Quarter pass will give free access to is Boathouse 4. The site, which is home to the International Boat Building College, will allow visitors to watch experts and volunteers in action alongside students as they meticulously restore historic boats, echoing the building’s original role 80 years ago,

Visitors will also have the chance to see one of the UK’s most historic shops, the 500-year-old Arthur Beale Chandlery which has relocated from London thanks to the PNBPT. And in Boathouse 7, visitors will be able to discover how Britain’s oldest Royal Dockyard led innovation throughout the ages in ‘The Dockyard Apprentice’ exhibition.

Prowse said the scheme had shown how the dockyard was on the road to recovery following the pandemic. “After an incredibly challenging 18 months, it’s a brilliant milestone for us to be able to grant free access to the Historic Quarter for all to enjoy.

“We are incredibly grateful to all those who’ve visited the grounds since August 2020. As a charitable trust, the support from visitors was vital in keeping us operational during the pandemic and maintaining the livelihoods of many businesses and partners at the dockyard.

“But now, it’s time to ensure our rich heritage is given back to the community; history should be enjoyed and made accessible to all. My vision is for a living breathing dockyard that is a vibrant community space.”

As guardians and custodians of the estate, PNBPT is responsible for the conservation and sustainable restoration of buildings, boats and structures of outstanding architectural and historic interest at the dockyard.

Long-term projects already in the works include the restoration of Storehouse 9, which could begin later next year and take 12 months to complete. It is then hoped the new facility would free up Boathouse 7 to become a new food hall open to the whole community.

Councillor Ben Dowling, cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development, welcomes the introduction of the pass and says: “Portsmouth’s historic dockyard is a vital part of our city’s heritage and infrastructure. We are delighted to see it being opened up to the local community once more. We share PNBPT’s vision of the dockyard as a destination to enjoy, alongside the cultural attractions of the museums on site.”

Visitors can continue to purchase tickets to enjoy the experiences available within the estate including the National Museum of the Royal Navy, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and the Mary Rose Museum.

The Historic Quarter Pass is available to collect during standard opening hours from the Dockyard Visitor Centre.