How about a Sherlock Holmes museum instead of housing?
Now that the records office in Old Portsmouth has been deemed unsuitable for the Sherlock Holmes Museum, perhaps Stephen Fry could have a look into the possibility of backing the long-held hope that St James’ Hospital building which is already a grade II Byzantine gothic-style listed building could be used instead.
It is in the beautiful tree-lined grounds of the hospital and has plenty of parking spaces for visitors.
Several people in Milton who belong to the Keep Milton Green group, myself included, have suggested that instead of selling this hospital off to the highest bidder, a better use would be for this much needed Sherlock Holmes Museum to house the Lancelyn Green bequest.
There are many rooms to display memorabilia relevant to each novel and artefacts of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Long passages where photos and paintings etc, could be hung for all to see. A large hall with a stage where a rolling continuous film could be shown of the many films and series made of the great detective while visitors make use of the hall as a tearoom, restaurant and souvenir shop.
The grounds also have a cricket pitch, children’s play park, village green, a grade II listed chapel in the same style as the hospital and a multi-faith garden.
Other parts of the building could be used as workshops for budding artists and craftspeople. Who knows, perhaps a spooky overnight experience could be had by the many followers of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle? And it’s only a stone’s throw from Fratton Park, also associated with him.
The possibilities are endless. M Doyle
Moorings Way, Milton