UK's oldest sea fort eyed as asylum accommodation as MPs recall controversy over Bibby Stockholm

The Ministry of Defence is understood to be considering Fort Blockhouse in Gosport, Hampshire — believed to be the oldest sea fort in the United Kingdom — as possible temporary accommodation for asylum seekers, reigniting debate after opposition criticism of the government's earlier use of the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Local and national politicians raised immediate concerns about proposals to repurpose the historic site, saying the community deserves better uses for the property and warning against repeating mistakes associated with the barge scheme.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, the Conservative MP for Gosport, told members of the House of Commons at Defence Questions that "sites like Blockhouse will be used for asylum accommodation" under the current government. She said the site — which has been vacant since it was put up for sale in 2016 — has "large potential" for redevelopment and that Gosport "deserves so much better." She said the minister's public response did not reassure her and sought a meeting to discuss alternative uses.

Luke Pollard, Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry, said a planning team has been launched to examine temporary solutions and argued that "as every government department can contribute something to this effort, it's right the MoD does so." He said he was willing to meet Ms. Dinenage to discuss opportunities to use defence estate assets to contribute to local growth.

The resurfaced debate follows high-profile criticism of the Bibby Stockholm, a barge purchased by the previous government and moored at Portland Port in Dorset to house hundreds of asylum seekers. Labour MPs and local campaigners called the barge an "unworkable, expensive & ineffective gimmick," and some described conditions and restrictions on residents as a "recipe for disaster." The vessel was closed when its contract expired last year, after sustained criticism from opposition politicians and some local officials.

Labour and other critics cited concerns about freedom of movement for residents, limited access to services and education, and strain on local communities when opposing the use of floating accommodation. Supporters of using defence estate properties say the MoD has underused housing and facilities that could be adapted for short-term needs as the Home Office and other departments seek places to house people while their claims are processed.

Fort Blockhouse has a long and layered military history. Work on the site began in 1431 in the aftermath of French raids during the Hundred Years' War. It served as one of the south coast's largest forts before becoming home to the Royal Navy Submarine Service, known as HMS Dolphin, until the submarines relocated in the 1990s. The site later hosted medical and other military units and remained in active use until late 2021, when it officially closed as a military establishment.

The MoD placed the property on the disposal list and announced plans to sell in 2016, with a formal disposal date set for 2020 that has since been extended twice as redevelopment and sale attempts stalled. Local campaigners and developers have long expressed interest in turning the site into residential or mixed-use projects, citing its historic character and waterfront location.

Officials have not published detailed proposals or a timeline for any conversion of Fort Blockhouse into accommodation, and it was not clear whether any decisions on use had been finalised. Government departments have in recent months explored a range of options for short-term housing, including former military housing blocks and other estate assets, as ministers seek to reduce use of commercial hotels.

Gosport council and local stakeholders have previously voiced ambitions for regeneration and sensitive redevelopment of the fort, stressing heritage and economic benefits. Ms. Dinenage said she will press the government for clarity on the future of the site and to pursue what she called a "more positive future" for Blockhouse.

The debate over the potential reuse of the defence estate adds to wider political and operational discussions about how the UK manages asylum accommodation, balances local impacts, and preserves historically significant sites. Ministers say they are seeking pragmatic, short-term solutions that make use of public assets, while critics urge transparent consultation and consideration of longer-term regeneration plans for vulnerable heritage locations.