40 PROJECT REPORT: SOCIAL HOUSING Unlocking the right mix
A former prison site in Portsmouth has found a new purpose, in a combination of new build and refurbishment for a ‘tenure blind’ mix of luxury flats and affordable homes – by two housebuilders. Roseanne Field reports
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ocated on one of the main three roads running through Portsmouth, the former Kingston Prison had been left derelict since its closure in 2013. Despite being purchased in 2014 by developer City and Country, a long road of planning issues and debate over what should be done with the site lay ahead. Several ideas were discussed, with the developer initially suggesting a museum, before then proposing an exclusively private residential development. However, with housing waiting lists high in the city Portsmouth City Council insisted
affordable housing must be included within the proposed development. City and Country had originally purchased the site as part of a portfolio of 10 prisons it was looking to redevelop. However, getting the numbers to stack up on this particular site to justify developing it was proving difficult, particularly with the council standing firm that it must include affordable housing. On top of this, the main prison building – built in 1877 – as well as various elements around it are Grade II listed.
South east-based affordable housing provider VIVID had caught wind of the discussions, with Portsmouth being one of their target areas. “We track developments in that area, looking for opportunities where we can step in,” explains VIVID group development and new business director, Tristan Samuels.
VIVID is a registered provider (RP) and developer, with around 36,000 homes currently under management and 80 projects under development.
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