The Royal Shades on Hayling Island closed its doors as a pub in April 2018 and was officially marked “Closed Long Term” by November 2020, with a subsequent change-of-use application submitted to convert the building into residential flats (camra.org.uk).
🔍 Why It Closed:
- Long-term decline in pub trade
As with many traditional pubs across the UK, it suffered from decreasing patronage and profitability in the early 21st century (readkong.com). - Economic and developers’ interest
After it closed, the building—with its desirable seaside location and substantial size—attracted interest from property developers looking to convert it into approximately nine apartments . - Planning concerns & change of use
Advertised as a “Former Pub with Residential Development Opportunities,” a planning application was submitted to formally change its use from a pub to residential housing (camra.org.uk).
🏠 What Happened After Closure:
- The building has remained empty since 2018 and was officially marketed around 2023–2024 for sale or letting with residential development plans in place .
- No confirmed reopening—or conversion into apartments—has occurred yet; the property is still awaiting redevelopment.
Summary:
In essence, the Royal Shades closed due to the declining viability of pubs and swiftly became a prime target for residential redevelopment. Whether or not it eventually becomes apartments will depend on the outcome of planning processes and the actions of developers.
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