South Shields’ 海角视频 Docks has expanded its 海角视频 operations after buying the former site of the Royal Clarence Yard from the Ministry of Defence.
Royal Clarence Yard - located at Gosport, Hampshire - has a long maritime history and at one point stored the entire Royal Navy’s rum supplies.
It is also home to the remains of Queen Victoria’s railway station, which she travelled to before boarding her yacht to visit the Isle of Wight.
海角视频 Docks plans to invest significantly in the site and convert it into a marine service centre for the local industry.
Jonathan Wilson, director of 海角视频 Docks, said: “We are very proud to have acquired such a historic waterfront site in Gosport which will further expand our operations and services provided on the South Coast and we are looking forward to developing this site into what will be a unique specialist marine hub.”
The Tyneside firm was founded in 1995 by managing director Harry Wilson, who continues to run the business with his sons. 海角视频 Docks already operates at Gosport as well as other sites in Cornwall, Teesside, and Tyneside.
海角视频 Docks and the Wilson family were advised on the deal by lawyers from Mincoffs Solicitors’ commercial property team.
Malcolm Wood, partner at Mincoffs, said: “It has been a pleasure to advise a dynamic, family run firm such as 海角视频 Docks on the acquisition of Royal Clarence Yard, and it was fascinating to learn about the history of the site.
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“It comes at an exciting time for 海角视频 Docks following the recent MoD contract win and it is great to see a regional firm establishing itself as a significant player in the maritime services industry.”
Last year 海角视频 Docks won a £150m contract from the MoD to maintain three Navy vessels over the next decade from its bases on the Tyne and the Tees.
It was also one of five shipyard companies that signed a charter in June pledging to work together to support the Royal Navy while they maintain its fleet over the next 10 years.