Model seafront village attraction seeks new owners

A miniature seafront village attraction is looking for a new owner.

Southsea Model Village, which boasts 40 miniature buildings, houses, forts and castles including Portsmouth's Guildhall and Spinnaker Tower, opened at Lumps Fort, Eastney Esplanade, in 1956.

In a post on its Facebook page, it said the decision came with "a heavy heart".

The family, who have owned and run the 1:12 scale village for 10 years, said it hoped the "truly special piece of local history" would be taken on by another family.

The statement added: "As a family, we have cherished owning and operating this special place for the past 10 years, but since the passing of our dear dad Ian, things just haven't felt the same.

"It was always our dream for the village to remain a family affair, and now we feel it is time to pass this incredible opportunity on to someone new."

The attraction, which has a price tag of £82,000, is being offered with a 19-year lease and comes with a cafe and its current team of volunteers.

The village was subject to vandalism in 2021 and 2023 when rail tracks were ripped up, trees torn out of the ground and windows smashed.

After fundraising efforts, repairs were made and further CCTV put in.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.