As custodians of historic buildings, boats and spaces in and around Portsmouth Harbour, we breathe new life into this Naval Heritage, creating energy and vibrancy, ensuring that it is sustainable and accessible for all.

We are an ambitious and collaborative charity. We actively create authentic, educational and enjoyable places, experiences and opportunities.

Our Aims and Objectives

Our Strategic Aims

Preserve: Being active in the conservation, restoration and regeneration of important assets and places which are at risk, or under-utilised

Develop: Operating a sustainable charity with a long-term vision and sufficient reserves to intervene and make a difference

Educate: Achieving and maintaining high standards in interpretation and education

Enjoy: Working with heritage and other partners to develop and manage a world class visitor destination, centred on Portsmouth Historic Dockyard; developing a thriving and happy community at Priddy’s Hard

Our Strategic Objectives

To curate Portsmouth Historic Dockyard as a leading destination and strengthen its position as the historic quarter of the city, anchored by key tenants and partners with whom we have a symbiotic relationship. We shall ‘break down the walls’ and create a ‘living breathing dockyard’.

To develop Priddy’s Hard into a thriving mixed-use community, acting as a catalyst for regeneration along the Gosport waterfront. Anchored in the heritage of the site, we will open it up to generate income and activity for the area.

Our people

Meet the people at the heart of our work. From the volunteers carefully restoring historic vessels to the friendly faces welcoming visitors and sharing stories, our team brings energy, skill, and a shared sense of purpose.

Our staff include conservation specialists, site managers and support teams, working closely with trustees who offer invaluable expertise and guidance.

Together, we honour the past and help shape the future, united by a commitment to heritage and community.

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Our heritage

Experience our heritage come alive. From historic vessels to cherished buildings, delve into Portsmouth’s maritime legacy. Explore the evolution of Priddy’s Hard and witness its transformation into a vibrant community hub. Join us as we breathe new life into history, fostering collaboration and ensuring our heritage thrives into the future.

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Our Creative Partners

Fostering Creative Partnerships

Ours is a world where creativity thrives. Through collaborations with artists, students, and local businesses, we’re transforming our spaces into dynamic hubs of creativity, showcasing the seamless blend of heritage and contemporary expression.

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Accessible Art and Heritage

Art and heritage should be accessible to all. Visitors can take advantage of the Historic Quarter Pass, granting free access to the Dockyard area for the local community.  Immerse yourself in our maritime heritage and experience the beauty of art firsthand.

Art created at the Quarter has included captivating works like Pete Codling’s project “CROWD,” which vividly portrays the multi-cultural history of Portsmouth through thousands of charcoal portraits.

Empowering Creative Minds

Our commitment to creativity extends beyond traditional boundaries. We host the innovative Spatial Fragments, where industry professionals, practitioners, and students come together to collaborate on live projects within our historic surroundings. With initiatives like this, we’ve created a welcoming space where over 450 students have been inspired to explore their creative potential.

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Building Creative Communities at Priddy’s Hard

Those who journey to Priddy’s Hard in Gosport will soon discover a dynamic new hub for creativity. Arts Council England-funded renovations are transforming the Carpenters’ Yard into creative studios, opening this October. With a community garden at its heart, this revitalised space is designed to nurture a thriving community of artists, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and meaningful cultural engagement.

A Shared Vision

Our efforts in nurturing creativity and heritage are driven by a shared vision of community enrichment. We’re not just repairing walls; we’re breaking them down to welcome everyone into our vibrant cultural landscape.