The Home Office is still in the process of redeveloping the Haslar IRC site - which was delayed due to a number of factors including asbestos.
When it reopens, the IRC will be a secure site for time-served Foreign National Offenders and immigration offenders awaiting removal from the UK.
People detained at Haslar will not be able to leave the site or access the local area.
Since the 2024 General Election Caroline has been keen to engage with Labour Immigration Ministers to ensure that Gosport residents’ views were being considered by the Government. When she met the Minister earlier this year, Caroline stressed the utmost importance of keeping residents informed and updated.
Redevelopment at Haslar has taken a phased approach, with Phase 1 consisting of the refurbishment of existing buildings, and Phase 2 involving the building of new accommodation. Phase 1 will provide 130 beds, and is expected to be delivered by the end of this year. The Government’s intention is for the site to ultimately provide 600 beds.
Caroline held a public event in October 2025 where the Home Office presented their proposals for Phase 2.
Overall, the site, which was an Immigration Removal Centre for over 30 years before it closed in 2016 is expected to create around 500 jobs.
Caroline continues to monitor the progress closely, prioritising the well-being of local residents, and pushing for them to be kept informed throughout the process.
Caroline recently received a copy of a letter which was sent to neighbouring residents from the Home Office with information regarding the site. She has been clear that local people need reassurance that the health facilities on site (which sound considerably better than those available locally!) won’t take resources away from local services.
There is now a dedicated contact address at [email protected] for those with questions about the site.
