Pressure mounts to bulldoze Portland’s Hardy block

There are fresh plans to demolish Portland’s long empty Hardy block and replace it with new housing. Local MP Lloyd Hatton has met with the site owners, urging them to move quickly and bring the land back into use. Early proposals are now out for consultation, but there are calls for affordable homes, family housing and green spaces. The building has been empty for years and has drawn criticism from residents.

Plans are moving forward to demolish Portland’s long abandoned Hardy block and redevelop the site.

Local MP Lloyd Hatton has met with owners Comer Homes this week, urging them to act quickly to remove the derelict building and bring the site back into use after years of concern from residents.

Developers have now revealed early proposals to knock down the block and replace it with housing, with a public consultation underway as discussions begin on what the future of the site could look like.

Hatton says any redevelopment must benefit the local community, calling for affordable homes, more family sized properties and proper green spaces rather than what he described as “just luxury flats”.

The Hardy block has stood empty for years and has been widely criticised as an eyesore, with the MP saying he will continue working with Dorset Council to push for demolition “as quickly as possible” and ensure the plans deliver for local people.