MoD picks buyer for Haslar site

Medical care has been provided at Royal Hospital Haslar since 1754

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a preferred bidder for the development of the Royal Hospital Haslar site in Gosport.

It opened to patients in 1754 but closed as a military hospital in 2007. It continued treating NHS patients until earlier this month when it shut.

An inquiry was carried out on behalf of the MoD last year and it has now chosen to sell it to Our Enterprise.

The firm plans a care centre for the elderly, a medical centre and housing.

Haslar was the last of eight military hospitals to close following a review of services by the Conservative Government in the 1990s.

Veterans Minister Kevan Jones MP said: "The Royal Hospital Haslar is an important historical site.

Student accommodation

"The future use of this site, which extends to some 23 hectares and comprises around 75,000 sq m of buildings, 13 of which are Grade II listed, is clearly an important issue locally and nationally.

"Our Enterprise has a vision of promoting the quality of life for both individuals residing on the site and for Gosport as a whole.

"It will continue social and health care on the site by providing a 'veterans village', student accommodation, community healthcare and a commercial centre as well as residential uses.

"I believe that the choice of preferred bidder for Haslar is good news for the local community, and will preserve the heritage and visual aspects of this important site."

Mr Jones described Our Enterprise as a company that encourages commercial partnerships between charities, social investors and the public sector.

Contracts are expected to be completed by the autumn.