While some of the premises remain standing to this day, albeit in a different guise, many have sadly been lost to time.
We asked readers of The News which old buildings they were most fond of, and you had plenty of suggestions.
So, here’s our round-up of the 13 ‘buildings' the people of Portsmouth want back the most, with a few surprises along the way.
Join our Portsmouth Retro Facebook group to find more fascinating photos and memories from Portsmouth’s past.
. Portsmouth buildings you want back
A collage of four of the buildings readers said they want back. From top-left, the Victoria Swimming Baths and Portsmouth Stadium. From bottom-left, the Tricorn and the General Post Office building. Photo: JPIMedia
. Portsmouth buildings you want back
Some readers suggested they'd like to see the return of the General Post Office, which once sat on the corner of Stanhope Road, Portsmouth. Here it is in the 1970s, with the Guildhall clock tower to its left. Photo: 3rd party
. Portsmouth buildings you want back
It wasn't a building, it was a piece of art - but some of you suggested you'd like to have Luna Park the ultrasaurus back on Southsea Common. It burned down 10 years ago. Photo: Steve Reid
. Portsmouth buildings you want back
The Mr Pickwick pub in Milton was a common suggestion from readers. Planning permission to demolish the Milton Road venue in favour of new homes was given in 2019. Photo: Steve Reid
5. Portsmouth buildings you want back
Some of you said you would like to have the city's tram or trolleybus network back in place. Here's one of the vehicles in Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, in 1935. Photo: JPIMedia
6. Portsmouth buildings you want back
There are few, if any, photos of it in our digital records - but multiple readers said they would bring back the Rock Gardens Pavilion in Southsea. Here's the Pyramids being built in its place in 1988. Photo: Steve Spurgin
7. Portsmouth buildings you want back
Some readers said they wanted the Odeon cinema as they knew it to return to 94 London Road, North End. These shots were taken at the site by urban explorer Simon Waitland. Photo: Simon Waitland
8. Portsmouth buildings you want back
Many of you said you miss a night out at the dogs at Portsmouth Greyhound Stadium. The site in Target Road, Tipner, was closed in 2010 and demolished two years later. Photo: Michael Scaddan