Royal Haslar Hospital: Full details of what is being planned for the conversion of the site

The Gosport hospital's closure in July 2009 marked the end of over 250 years of service to military personnel, and local community, with the site being bought by developers for £3million the same year. Since then there has been a slow process evaluating and securing the first phase of planning permission for the site, with some of the smaller self-contained homes on the site also sold off to individuals.

We look at what work has taken place at the site, and what is still planned in the future.

The main hospital building

The three-sided building sits in the centre of the Haslar site and is a real gem which is being retained and enhanced. The dilapidated auxiliary buildings which sat in the middle have been demolished, creating the opportunity to open out the site, with parking for residents proposed in the area, as well as landscaping.

The southern side of the main building has now been transformed into stunning assisted living apartments in a development known as Trinity House, with similar plans in the pipeline for the eastern and northern sides of the building.

Canada House

This waterside building was originally used to house medical staff and was funded by the Women of Canada in gratitude for the care given to Canadian troops during World War I. It has now been converted into apartments.

The Water Tower

The iconic Grade II listed building at the entrance to the site is set to be converted to allow some form of business use.

The Mortuary Chapel / Dead House

Plans are in the pipeline to allow the conversion of the Grade II listed building at the entrance of the site into a coffee bar.

Chapel of St Luke

The Chapel which ‘fills’ the fourth side of what was originally proposed to be a four-sided hospital is being retained as it is with no works planned. However it currently houses some historical displays which will be relocated to a new heritage centre when it is built.

The Memorial Garden

This little oasis is looked after by volunteers from Shore Leave and provides a safe haven and horticultural therapy for tri-service veterans. It is being retained as it a burial ground as well as an important community facility.

Nursing Sisters Quarters and Surgeons Quarters

Plans are in the pipeline to convert the existing buildings into a hotel with a new modern single storey extension linking the two buildings.

Erroll Hall

The existing building near the entrance to the site has been earmarked for conversion into a new pub / restaurant.

The Gas Meter House

This building is set to be converted into a new site office.

Pharmacy Stores

This building on the north of the site is to be converted to create a brand new heritage centre which will be looked after by the Haslar Heritage Group.

Medical Stores

These two buildings on the far eastern edge of the site will also be given a new purpose. One will be converted into tearooms, a Veterans Club and small business units which will support the neighbouring Heritage Centre. The other will be converted into small business units.

‘Earlier’ Pathology Lab

The existing building is deemed to be of historical interest and is set to be converted into a community hall.

‘Later’ Pathology Lab

A new heath centre is set to be created reusing the existing building on the northern edge of the side which sits next to the ‘earlier’ lab.

The Laundry

The existing Grade II listed building is set to be converted into offices.

Officer Patients Block

This existing building is set to be converted into new apartments.

New buildings

The proposals for the site include the construction of four new buildings. One is planned to be a four-storey building with 25 retirement flats, a second is planned to be a three-storey apartment block with 81 homes and a third another three-storey building with 39 flats and the provision of a convenience store on the ground floor. The other building will be for a new three storey hotel annex with 38 rooms.

Grounds

Much of the grounds on the 62 acre site will be retained or landscaped, with facilities such as the tennis courts brought back into use for residents.

Where can I find out more about the plans?

The transformation and restoration of the Royal Haslar site is being undertaken by development consortium Haslar Developments Ltd. It has a dedicated website at www.royalhaslar.com which has full details of the plans - and the opportunities to own a home there.

Planning applications have also been submitted to Gosport Borough Council seeking planning permission for the works not yet started. Details of the applications and the public consultation can be found on the council’s planning portal by searching for application 24/00313/DETS