An outline planning application for the regeneration of Portsmouth’s City Centre North has been submitted. The proposals include new homes, a large public green space alongside space for new community facilities, retail, hospitality and leisure uses, as well as new walking and cycling routes south from Charles Dickens and Buckland.
This initial planning application aims to set the standard for future development and provides an overview of the masterplan. It is anticipated that the project would take around 15 years to complete. Subject to planning permission, work could begin on this first phase of the project in 2024.
The application sets out proposals for the area between Hope Street to the north, Charlotte Street to the south and Commercial Road to the east. It includes 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.
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 council is also planning improvements to the roads around the proposed development, to create easier walking, cycling and bus routes in the city centre and support better transport connections across the region. These improvements will complement plans already in place as part of the South East Hampshire Rapid Transit projects. The council has submitted plans for a new two-way bus lane along Unicorn Road and Cascades Approach, along with safer crossing points for people walking and cycling, and a new shared cycle and footpath on Unicorn Road.
Read more – City Centre Plans unveiled
The planning application is available online through the council’s planning portal.