Former Royal Marines Museum in Eastney goes back on the market as five-star hotel plans stall
A plan to create Portsmouth’s first five-star hotel looks like it is dead in the water
Portsmouth's council leader has described the state of the former Royal Marines Museum as an “absolute disgrace” as the building goes up for sale.
The former Eastney Royal Marines Museum has been put on the market, with plans to convert the historic building into a luxury hotel.
The Grade II listed building on Eastney Esplanade has been listed for sale after plans to transform it into a hotel were granted planning permission.
The proposals, submitted by Grand Hotel Excelsior International Limited, were approved by Portsmouth City Council in May last year.
However, the project stalled over a Section 106 agreement, under which developers agree to make financial contributions towards infrastructure or community improvements.
In August, it was reported that the agreement was awaiting a signature from the Secretary of State, as the land is owned by the Ministry of Defence.
The council said the process was taking “longer than anticipated”. It's understood that no progress on the S106 agreement is awaiting approval from government.
The site has now been put up for sale, with councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council criticising its current condition.
He said the council had not heard from the site owners “for a while”.
He added that if you’re “serious about refurbishing” a listed building, “then you don’t leave it to deteriorate as they have”.
Cllr Pitt referenced recent urban exploration videos posted online which show the building’s interior in an “appalling state”.
He added: “The state that the current owners have allowed the building to deteriorate to is an absolute disgrace.”
He said a new owner could continue with the existing hotel plans, subject to the necessary agreements, or pursue “a whole new different project”.
“The council will want to work proactively with them to see a viable scheme come forward, that protects the listed building.”
The site
The Grade II listed building was built in the 1860s as the headquarters of the Royal Marine Artillery.
It later became a museum, opening in 1958 before closing in 2017. It was purchased by Grand Hotel Excelsior International Limited in 2020 for £4.5m.
The site covers more than eight acres and contains roughly 60,000 square feet of internal space.
It is on Eastney Esplanade, with sea views and 110 car parking spaces.
The property has been advertised for sale by Savills, with the deadline for bids set for Tuesday, November 10.