Historic yard sold

Nautor divests itself of Camper & Nicholson's Gosport yard

The site where Camper & Nicholson’s yard in Gosport was located has been bought by a local organisation, Beaulieu Properties LLP, for an undisclosed sum. The new owners acquired the site from Nautor’s Base UK Ltd, a British registered company, part of Nautor Group.

Beaulieu Properties LLP is proposing that the three large building sheds continue to be used for the marine related industry and is in discussions with various companies regarding the ongoing management of the premises.

This prime site, situated close to the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour, has a long and historic tradition of boatbuilding. With an undercover boat manufacturing area of some 4,250sqm (45,700sqft) which can take vessels up to 40m (130 ft.) in length. There is also a 180-ton boat lift, a large area of concrete hard standing for yachts and small marina for mooring boats awaiting repair or maintenance. All plant and machinery on the site have also been included in the purchase price.

The new owners anticipate that there will be considerable interest from various companies in the marine industry that require under cover storage, associated offices and workshops and deep water access.

Nautor Group will relocate the production of the Endeavour 42 powerboat and any other 'one off' construction to Finland at Nautor’s yard, where the well-known technical production capabilities that join together historical experience and cutting-edge technologies, will permit further growth and consolidate its tradition. The Camper & Nicholson’s offices however, together with a team of project managers and engineers, will remain in Gosport.

Commenting on the purchase of this historic site, Glynne Benge, Partner in Beaulieu Properties LLP, said: “We are delighted to have concluded negotiations and finally purchased this famous site from the previous owners. We plan to hold discussions shortly with various marine companies with a view to taking a lease on the whole premises”.