First to close Southampton depot

[Surreyman]

Interesting as previously I read (no source, can't remember where I read it sorty) that Empress Road, was still being used as offices

I believe some of the office space is leased to a non bus related company.

 

[Beemax]

There's a new depot coming at Hoeford?!

There's a new depot being built at Hilsea, but not Hoeford AFAIA

 

[Surreyman]

There's a new depot being built at Hilsea, but not Hoeford AFAIA

Limberline road next to Hilsea station, I believe it is already being used as parking space. Plans are to construct/rebuild site as a proper depot to replace Hilsea depot (former 'old' Southdown Hilsea west depot).

 

[fgwrich]

Limberline road next to Hilsea station, I believe it is already being used as parking space. Plans are to construct/rebuild site as a proper depot to replace Hilsea depot (former 'old' Southdown Hilsea west depot).

I wonder if it’s being rebuilt ahead of the introduction of the GB Kites?

 

[DaveHarries]

I wonder if it’s being rebuilt ahead of the introduction of the GB Kites?

Hmm....not the most attractive of vehicles (IMO).

Plans are to construct/rebuild site as a proper depot to replace Hilsea depot (former 'old' Southdown Hilsea west depot).

Another piece of transport heritage which will go in favour of some cheap and hideous modern flats I presume?

Dave

 

[fgwrich]

Hmm....not the most attractive of vehicles (IMO).

Granted they’re not the prettiest, but a lot better looking than the Streetlite at least!

GB Kite / Hawke seems to be an updated Eclipse.

 

[buscoaster]

Is it correct that Bluestar are taking over Empress Road?

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

Is it correct that Bluestar are taking over Empress Road?

Already being discussed here https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/go-south-coast.231211/page-4

 

[Towers]

Another piece of transport heritage which will go in favour of some cheap and hideous modern flats I presume?

Dave

In fairness, Hilsea West is a bit of an operational nightmare. Its location behind a petrol station and the consequent shared access has caused frosty relations for years, the rear parking compound has always been a magnet for vandals, and it’s totally inadequate to actually house the fleet based there. A new depot is long overdue in all honesty!

 

[TheGrandWazoo]

In fairness, Hilsea West is a bit of an operational nightmare. Its location behind a petrol station and the consequent shared access has caused frosty relations for years, the rear parking compound has always been a magnet for vandals, and it’s totally inadequate to actually house the fleet based there. A new depot is long overdue in all honesty!

Indeed, it's no Hilsea East (that was a fine and imposing building back in the day). Arguably, the best former Southdown depot surviving is the Chichester one (but we digress).

Hilsea West is a constrained site, has access issues, and is rather small. I'd be more saddened if/when Hoeford goes

 

[GusB]

I think now is probably a good time to close this thread, now that the depot is in new hands. See here for ongoing discussion:

https://www.railforums.co.uk/threads/go-south-coast.231211/


Posts concerning the proposed new depot have been moved here:

First to create new "super depot" in Portsmouth

First are no longer continuing with Limberline. The sale of the former “News Centre” fell through, so First jumped in and instead will build a new super depot on the site there. https://news.firstbus.co.uk/news/first-bus-purchase-new-site-to-create-new-super-bus-depot-in-portsmouth First Bus...

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