Plans in for landmark Portsmouth development

An outline planning application for the regeneration of Portsmouth’s City Centre North has been submitted, with the project earmarked to take 15 years to complete.The proposals sets out the vision for the area between Hope Street to the north, Charlotte Street to the south and Commercial Road to the east.They include the former Tricorn and Sainsbury’s sites, which the council bought to unlock the opportunity for “significant, long-term regeneration” in this part of the city.Lined up are homes and a large public green space alongside space, as well as retail, hospitality and leisure uses.The development has been designed to breathe new life into the area and support the council’s wider revitalisation plans for the whole city centre, as well as aspirations for sustainable communities, better connectivity and greener travel.Councillor Steve Pitt, cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development, said: “This outline planning application marks an exciting milestone in the revitalisation of the city centre and developing this area is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to breathing new life into the whole city centre.”This is a long-term project so the flexibility of this planning application means we can adapt the plans over time to reflect the city’s changing needs, new ideas and technologies, and support improvements to other parts of the city centre including Commercial Road and Guildhall Square that will come forward first.”The initial application aims to “set the standard” for future development and provides an overview of the masterplan. It is anticipated that the project would take about 15 years to complete.Subject to planning permission, work could begin on this first phase of the project in 2024.