Written question asked by Peter Viggers (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 July 2009. It was answered by Lord Beamish (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 September 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Royal Hospital Haslar

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent consideration he has given to the future use of the Royal Hospital Haslar site; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement published on 20 July 2009, Official Report, column 95WS.The MOD ran an Expressions of Interest campaign earlier this year and a number of bids were received by the closing date. I have announced today that Our Enterprise, a community interest company that brokers and delivers bespoke commercial partnerships between charities, social investors, commercial operators and the public sector to deliver large-scale integrated regeneration projects, has been chosen as our preferred bidder for the site. Our Enterprise has been chosen as our preferred bidder for the site in accordance with Government policy on the disposal of historic buildings. We expect to exchange contracts with the purchaser and complete the transfer by the autumn, if not earlier.Our Enterprise has a vision of promoting the quality of life for both individuals residing on the site and for Gosport as a whole. 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.

Secondary information