New CEO Hannah Prowse takes the helm at PNBPT
17 May 2021
Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust is delighted to announce that it has appointed Hannah Prowse, formally Head of National Projects for English Heritage as its new CEO.
Prowse has over a decade of heritage property experience and will champion the Trust’s mission to create and preserve the world’s most captivating maritime heritage destination. Having worked on special projects such as the conservation of the Royal Albert Hall and the Elizabeth Tower, her expertise complements PNBPT’s 35 years of sustainably restoring and repurposing historical assets for use by museums, business, retailers and restaurants.
Hannah Prowse says, “It’s a pivotal time for the Trust as we navigate out of the pandemic while preparing exciting plans for the future. Nowhere in the UK or internationally will you discover a destination with such rich naval heritage, and it is our ambition to develop fun initiatives, in collaboration with our partners, that showcase and celebrate this. We aim to boost awareness of the estate’s role in the defense of the realm as well as its national attraction as a must-visit destination.”
Prowse’s predecessor, Peter Goodship, was at the helm of the Trust since its inception in 1986, and delivered the vision of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Major accomplishments during his tenure include the restoration of over 20 historic listed buildings, the opening of the International Boatbuilding Training College Portsmouth which has trained over 100 students to date, the collection of the UK’s finest fleet of small boats involved in 20th century conflicts.
Goodship also kick-started the regeneration of the 30 acre site at Priddy’s Hard, Gosport. The first development phase is due for completion this summer, with the regeneration of the ramparts and seven listed buildings, to include a new Costal Forces Museum, micro-brewery, pub restaurant and holiday let. Thirty new homes will also be built this year with a further major development phase to follow in the near future.
Prowse continues: “As a not-for-profit that relies on visitor income and charitable donations the last 12 months have been the most challenging yet for the PNBPT, having experience a 50% decrease in visitor related income almost overnight. We are grateful for critical government funding that’s kept staff employed and for the volunteers that have continued essential maintenance works throughout the estate. As we start to re-open, we are calling on the Portsmouth community to enjoy the fascinating and genuinely unique experience that the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard offers. Your visits to the museums, restaurants and shops not only help the local business and not-for-profits on site, but also contribute to the crucial maintenance of heritage assets of national importance.”
The phased opening of the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard will take place in partnership with the iconic historic landmarks and educational attractions housed on the Trusts' estate, including the National Museum of the Royal Navy and the world-class Mary Rose Museum.