Securing the Drill Hall
An opportunity to preserve the past and invest in the future
The Maritime Futures Hub is working towards acquiring the freehold of Lymington Drill Hall, so that this remarkable building can be protected and given a sustainable new life for the community.
The Drill Hall is associated with Lymington's nineteenth-century maritime world, including Thomas Inman's mould loft, where the lines of celebrated yachts were laid out full size.
It went on to serve the town's rifle volunteers, territorial soldiers and generations of cadets — a place of training, service and community for well over a century.
Behind its familiar red doors, the building still carries that story. Dates and details remain subject to continuing research.
The building's long-term future is not yet secured.
Community ownership could protect its heritage and enable a sustainable new use — one that keeps the doors open to local people and visitors for generations to come.
The project seeks to purchase the freehold, subject to negotiations, independent valuation, surveys, funding and the necessary approvals.
No acquisition has been agreed, no funding has yet been secured and we are not collecting public donations at this stage.
We are working through five stages. Progress indicators will be added only once each position has been verified.
Establish ownership, title and historical evidence.
Complete property and technical due diligence.
Develop the business case and funding strategy.
Negotiate and secure the freehold acquisition.
Restore and adapt the building for community and visitor use.
We would particularly welcome conversations with:
