As many are aware, The News Centre in Hilsea was sold to First Bus a couple of months ago and the future of this 60's built building has a big question mark hanging over it. There has been no guarantee (so far) from First Bus that the building could be demolished in its entirety.

This petition is to save the facade of 'The News Centre' which has become a big part of Hilsea's identity and iconic when entering Hilsea. 

We need to tell the council and the planning committee that we will not accept anything less than saving this almost 60 year old facade. 


History

The News Centre at Hilsea was built in 1966. Designed by A. E. Cogswell & Sons, the building was constructed using mainly precast concrete components and some of the beams were prestressed with a newly developed strand known as Dyform.
A three-storey area at the front of the building was designed as an office block, and the two-storey section behind as a production area housing a paper store and printing press etc. The interior design of the building was essentially open plan in order to allow the space to be adapted to changing requirements over time.
Between the columns and windows on the first floor of the production area are sculptured sand blasted panels designed by William Mitchell and cast by Dean Jesmond & Co Ltd..
The Portsmouth Evening News (now called The News) moved into the building in 1969. Office based staff moved out of the centre in 2013, but the printing presses remain on site.

Photos: Portsmouth History Centre ref: LSC/2/1/14/12 LSC/2/1/14/17