Preparations well underway towards the demolition of the Hilsea Lodge

Preparations are well underway towards the demolition of the derelict Hilsea Lodge.

Scaffolding has recently been erected around the former care home in Gatcome Drive, as well as its annexes, which has attracted anti social behaviour. Once demolished it will now pave the way for new supported and sheltered council housing.

As previously reported by The News, Hilsea Lodge was closed in 2019 alongside Edinburgh House in Cosham after they were both deemed to no longer provide the most appropriate type of care for people with dementia.

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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 last 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.

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

But a recent planning application earlier this year seeking permission for the demolition confirmed that the site would be cleared ‘to allow future redevelopment of the site for new supported and sheltered council housing’.

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