SPITBANK FORT – ONE OF THE SOLENT’S
LANDMARKS IS SOLD

Standing out at sea, one mile from the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour, Spitbank Fort, one of the Solent’s most famous landmarks has been sold to three Hampshire businessmen.

Messieurs Brickwood, Holland and Price have bought the Grade II Listed Ancient Monument with the intention of continuing its current use as an entertainment venue for corporate events, weddings and private parties.

Commercial property consultants Vail Williams completed the sale of the fort, which adjoins the main fairway into the harbour and commands spectacular views over the Solent and Isle of Wight.

The fort had been on the market for £500,000 and a sale close to the asking price was achieved. Vail Williams has now been involved in the sale of all four Solent Forts in the last few years, including Horse Sand, No Man’s Land and St Helen’s.

Jeremy Lear, Partner at Vail Williams commented: “The buyers see Spitbank Fort as a tremendous and unique business opportunity. They believe that it has never really traded at its full potential and wish to build on the current business.”

Currently Spitbank Fort attracts around 25,000 visitors a year to its licensed restaurant and entertainment facilities. It also has a one-bedroom private apartment with observation room.

The Solent forts were designed to protect the important naval harbour of Portsmouth and the famous Spithead anchorage. Although throughout its operational lifetime, Spitbank Fort was never tested against a naval invasion.

Taking 16 years to build, Spitbank Fort was finally completed in 1878 along with three other similar fortifications nicknamed ‘Palmerston’s Follies’ after the Prime Minister who authorised their construction.

It was once the billet for 150 soldiers and is constructed almost entirely of granite blocks. It has a maximum external diameter of 49.38 metres
(162 ft) and the outer walls are specially shaped to achieve the 360-degree circular structure that has withstood the ravages of the sea for over 100 years. The extremely solid construction includes 15ft thick walls, which have more than 2ft of armour plating, and 8ft thick roofs and floors.

There is also a fresh water artesian well capable of pumping 23,000 gallons of water a day, which served the soldiers and all other previous owners.

Modern visitors can see the original layout of the fort, including the gunroom and enjoy the spectacular views across the Solent.