1-6, GAR STREET

This is a barrack block, dating from 1901 to 1905, and later converted into housing with designs by Huw Thomas in 1997. It is constructed of red brick with terracotta dressings, brick front lateral and cross-ridge stacks, and a slate cross-gabled roof. The architectural style is Georgian Revival.

The original plan comprised a long, H-shaped layout with four single-depth dormitories, each featuring a central side stack. The exterior presents a 4-storey, 12-window range with cambered, gauged brick arches over 6/6-pane sash windows. The symmetrical front shows three storeys to the parade ground, with a terracotta second-floor cornice and pediment mouldings. One-window end pediments feature oculi above the cross ranges, which are set forward. A two-window ablution section is located in the re-entrants, now with hipped roofs, and three-window dormitories are positioned between, originally divided by lateral stacks. The side elevations, also arranged with three-window dormitories, are similarly designed with pedimented cross ranges. The rear elevation mirrors the front, with regular fenestration, two-window end pediments, and two doorways leading to the former ablution blocks, which have 9-light overlights. Four pedimented doorcases were designed by Huw Thomas as part of the restoration completed in the 1990s. Rusticated ground floor detailing on the rear elevation also dates from this restoration.

The interior was not inspected.

Historically, the barrack block was occupied from the mid-19th century as a hospital and prison connected to the Upper Barracks, and was largely rebuilt between 1901 and 1905. Its design is notably traditional compared to contemporary barracks at Tidworth or Colchester Camps, showing consideration for the Upper Barracks, which were rebuilt at the same time. The building forms a complete functional assemblage of late Victorian/Edwardian barrack buildings and contributes significantly to the overall importance of the Peninsula Barracks site.