FORMER police barracks at a Victorian gunboat yard look set to be restored and given a new lease of life.
Planning chiefs have approved an application to convert the Grade II-listed building into offices and classrooms for the Army Sailing Association.
The application described the former Haslar Gunboat Yard at Gosport as a "unique" site that was built for the Royal Navy in the 1850s.
It added that the proposals would conserve and enhance the barracks, part of the Haslar Conservation Area.
The yard was built after the Crimean War to provide a facility where gunboats could be stored, preserved and kept ready for use at short notice.
During the two world wars the 34-acre site looking Haslar Creek continued to fit and repair a variety of craft, including torpedo boats.
But the yard closed in the 1970s and all but ten of the gunboat sheds were removed during the following decades.
In 2021 it was announced that Historic England had given Hornet Services Sailing Club almost £400,000 for repairs to the former police barracks.
Now the club has received consent to use the building as offices and classrooms, with associated canteen and kitchenette facilities.
A report published by Gosport Borough Council said: "Internally there are few surviving features although some are still visible.
"A few of the original sash windows remain but a limited amount of original joinery survives. Victorian fireplaces remain in rooms 2, 3, 4 and 9 but most are in a state of decay.
"The character of the building has inevitably been changed by the loss of important features.
"Despite this the primary significance of this structure is unaffected. The extent of remaining original fabric, although in poor condition, clearly demonstrates the high quality of their original design."
The report said "unsightly" handrails would be removed and the brickwork made good.
"The building has been subject to considerable funding and investment from Historic England to repair significant damage to the roof and elevations, following years of neglect.
"The additional works proposed would ensure the building is used into the future and maintained."
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