Golden Hill Fort
High Quality Residences
Since decommissioning after the Second World War the barracks had a chequered history with failed ventures and significant deterioration of the building fabric. Planning and Listed Building Consents were required to be obtained whilst Scheduled Monument Consent from English Heritage was required in respect of works to the access tunnel, central courtyard foundation/drainage excavations and slope stabilisation.
Whilst high specification internal spatial design was required to create high quality units all effort was needed to preserve as much of the original structure and internal features as possible. Close liaison with the local Conservation Officer and English Heritage was required to facilitate the conversion sympathetically into high quality residences complete with a sloping grass berm and landscaped green roof garden. Distinguished and well considered design has produced a successful project proving profitable, in terms of commercial viability, environmental consideration and historic preservation.
Winner of the 'Island Heritage Award' at the I.W. Society Conservation Awards; the 'Best Conversion to Form a Dwelling' at the LABC South East Region Building Excellence Awards and the 'Best Domestic Extension and Conversion' at the LABC National Excellence Awards.
History
Golden Hill Fort was constructed between 1863 and 1868 as a defensible barracks; part of a series of Forts that encircle Portsmouth to defend its Dockyards from the
perceived threat in the 1850's of a French invasion. These Forts were known as the Palmerston Forts after the then Prime Minister.
Golden Hill Fort provided the necessary barrack accommodation for the troops. These bomb-proof casement barracks accommodated 8 officers and 128 men protected from enemy fire by being sunken into the ground behind a 'glacis'.
Sympathetic conversion
On behalf of the developers, Golden Hill Homes, ERMC provided Architectural and CDM Co-ordination services for the conversion of the former fortified barracks into a residential development of eighteen high quality, terraced three and four bedroom dwellings.
Careful redevelopment and sympathetic conversion has provided the structure with a new lease of life that will result in the previously abandoned site being used and enjoyed for many years to come.
Restoration and conversion work commenced in 2007 and was substantially completed at the end of 2011. It is one of the largest and most comprehensive conversions of any historic military structure in the UK.
