Debate Sparks Over Turning Historic Fort Into Asylum Site
The future of one of Britain’s oldest military sites has become the center of a heated political debate. Fort Blockhouse, a centuries-old sea fort in Gosport, Hampshire, is being considered as a possible accommodation site for asylum seekers. The news has stirred up strong reactions both locally and in Parliament.
The fort itself carries enormous historical weight. Dating back to the 15th century, it was first built after French forces attacked during the Hundred Years’ War. Over the centuries, it evolved into a major defense point for the south coast and later became the headquarters of the Royal Navy Submarine Service until the late 1990s. Even after the Navy moved out, it remained in military use until 2016, when the Ministry of Defence announced plans to dispose of the site. Despite being put up for sale in 2016, it has sat vacant, its future uncertain.
Now, that uncertainty has taken a controversial turn. Reports suggest the government may use Fort Blockhouse as accommodation for asylum seekers, part of a wider push to convert disused military housing blocks rather than relying on hotels. But many are questioning whether this historic landmark should be used in such a way.
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Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP for Gosport, has been one of the most vocal critics. She raised the issue in the House of Commons during Defence Questions, expressing concern that using Fort Blockhouse in this way would not be in the town’s best interests. She argued that Gosport “deserves so much better” and pressed Defence Minister Luke Pollard for clarity.
The minister responded that he was happy to meet with her to discuss the site’s future and highlighted that the Ministry of Defence is considering how the wider defence estate could contribute to national growth. However, his answer did not satisfy Dame Caroline, who later said she felt no real reassurance had been given.
Adding to the controversy is the memory of the Bibby Stockholm barge, which was previously used to house asylum seekers in Dorset. That scheme faced fierce criticism from campaigners, local communities, and Labour MPs, who called it a “recipe for disaster.” Critics said living conditions were poor, opportunities for education and activities were limited, and communities received little support. The barge was eventually closed down last year after Labour took office.
With that history in mind, many worry that using Fort Blockhouse in a similar way could prove equally problematic. For locals, it is not just about asylum policy—it is about what should happen to one of Gosport’s most significant and unique heritage sites. There had been long-standing hopes that the fort could be transformed into a major redevelopment project, bringing new life and investment to the waterfront.
As things stand, the government has not ruled out the asylum use, and discussions about the fort’s future are ongoing. But one thing is certain: the question of whether a 600-year-old sea fort should become a migrant accommodation site has ignited a debate that is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
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