Askett Hawk Developments has gained full planning consent for the conversion of the Grade II listed Fort Gilkicker in Stokes Bay, Hampshire, into 22 luxury, three-storey houses.
Following a successful public inquiry, Chesterton Humberts has now been appointed as the sole agent on the project to transform the Victorian fort.
Fort Gilkicker was built in 1871 to defend the deepwater anchorage at Stokes Bay. It consisted of 22 gun emplacements in a semi-circular series of granite-faced casemates. It was stood down in 1956 when coastal defence was abolished, and purchased by Hampshire council in 1986 to act as custodian until a viable alternative use was found.
Askett Hawk chief executive Ian Pearce said: “Fort Gilkicker is of such architectural and historic importance that it has demanded an exceptional design to ensure the historic character and integrity of the building is retained, while providing an inspirational and high-quality residential scheme in a stunning location.”
Work will begin to restore Fort Gilkicker later this year, but potential buyers will be able to view the fort in about six weeks time.
nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com
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