Plans to breathe new life into derelict Hilsea Lodge are "progressing" after new security fencing was installed

Hilsea Lodge in Gatcombe Drive was closed in 2019 alongside Edinburgh House in Cosham after they were deemed to no longer provide the most appropriate type of care for people with dementia.

Since then, Portsmouth City Council has progressed plans for a 50-bed extra care facility on the site of the latter with planning permission granted in 2022, with a revised plan for 60 beds approved earlier this year.

In 2022 the council also revealed that a future use had been identified for Hilsea Lodge’s next development scheme, and that it would likely host either a physical disability extra care development, supported living or social housing.

However since then no firm plan has been put forward and the empty building had become a target for vandals and people breaking in, leading to the council recently installing extra security fencing around the site.

The council confirmed to The News that although the building was standing empty, plans to reuse the site for a new purpose was still on the cards.

A spokesperson for Portsmouth City Council said: “Portsmouth City Council is progressing development proposals for Hilsea Lodge.

“Over the summer, additional security and fencing were installed to protect the property from unauthorised access and vandalism.”