The former headquarters of a regional daily, The News Centre in Portsmouth, is set to be redeveloped by First Bus, the new owner of the site. The company has submitted a request to Portsmouth City Council for permission to clear the site, which includes the main building.

The News Centre was the base of the Portsmouth News from 1969 to 2013. Even after the editorial and advertising staff moved out, the building continued to house the printing operations until last year, following its sale to dmg media.

First Bus revealed plans earlier this year to convert the site into a state-of-the-art bus depot, capable of accommodating up to 90 electric vehicles. While there were hopes that the building would be preserved in some form, the recent application suggests a full demolition is more likely.

Despite this, First Bus has expressed its intention to donate items from the site, such as printing presses, to local groups or museums. In a letter to the council, First’s agent Vail Williams explained that since the News staff left in 2013, the building has deteriorated and has been attracting unwanted attention. The letter stated that the new owners wish to demolish the building due to its condition, the high security costs, public safety concerns, and its appeal to unwanted visitors.

A petition was launched in May to prevent the demolition of the site. The recent developments have led to a surge in the number of signatories.

Simon Goff, managing director of First Bus South, said: “Our plans to create a fully electrified, purpose-built depot on the site of the former News Centre represents major investment in Portsmouth and highlights our commitment to providing green travel in the area. The new depot will provide a home for a fully electric bus fleet, which directly aligns with Portsmouth City Council’s aim to provide clean, zero emission public transport.”

He added that the company expects the application to be determined in line with planning policy in the next month and that they continue to engage with the local council and community on their plans, which include preserving some historical parts of the building and reusing them at the new depot.