Office block plan to showcase hovercraft
Temporary bid for seafront building
A NEW two-storey office block could be built on Southsea seafront to 'showcase' the unique hovercraft vessel.
Plans for a temporary building - that would serve as an extension to the existing 'low' two-storey Hovertravel terminal - are set to be considered by city councillors this month.
If approved the structure would be joined to the rear of the terminal on part of the shingle beach.
It is proposed it will provide office space for Griffon Hoverwork for up to five years, which would allow them to brief potential hovercraft clients on the site of the operating hovercraft.
In a design statement,
aspokesman for applicant Griffon Hoverwork said its office in Southampton 'does not have the appropriate facilities' to host clients.
He said: 'The proposed site at Southsea would therefore, provide a modest office facility at the site of existing hovercraft operations suitable for engaging with international clients.
'This proposal would allow us to showcase hovercraft that we have built and are being operated by our sister company Hovertravel (as part of the Bland Group of companies).'
Temporary permission for five years is being sought in anticipation of sea defence works being carried out in the future.
He added: 'We understand that Portsmouth City Council have significant plans to develop the seafront, hence our application for temporary offices for a period of up to five years. 'We would continue to review our requirements in conjunction with those of Hovertravel with the aim of integrating with the council's plans for the seafront as a whole.
'Since the existing Hovertravel building is in fairly poor condition the preferred way ahead would be for us to plan for a more permanent structure integrating the requirements of both Griffon Hoverwork and Hovertravel, whilst fulfilling the criteria associated with the seafront development plans.'
The proposed building would be 12 metres long, six metres wide and up to seven metres high with a monopitched roof.
Plans for the building will be considered by members of Portsmouth's planning committee.
That will be at a virtual meeting which is being held on Tuesday, April 27.
Members of the public can watch via the council's website.