The former Portsmouth News Centre, located on London Road, is slated for demolition. First Bus has advanced plans for the site, with the aim of having the new facility operational by mid-2025. While the company has received clearance to proceed with the site’s clearing, the final plans for the depot are still under consideration.

The city council approved the building’s demolition last month, citing permitted development rules.

Simon Goff, the managing director of First Bus South, noted that the News Centre building had been vacant for a while and had unfortunately become a target for vandalism.

A representative from First Bus confirmed that partial demolition has commenced. They further stated, “Redevelopment is projected to begin in mid-2024, with completion expected by mid-2025.”

No development partner for the project has been announced as of now.