Former prison site transformation brings 183 affordable homes
The Kingston Prison, which was closed in 2013 as part of a wider programme by the Ministry of Justice to close “old and uneconomic” prisons across the country, has been transformed into 183 new affordable homes.
Portsmouth City Council and VIVID housing association worked with private developer St Cross Homes to redevelop Kingston Prison, with the site being bought in 2014 by developers.
Interestingly, the original plans for the site were to turn it into a museum, though this plan was rejected by Portsmouth City Council who insisted the site be turned into affordable housing.
In 2016 plans were shifted to convert the prison into luxury apartments while developing all new homes with a focus on affordability. This move was accepted and permission was granted for what would be the largest single affordable housing development in the city for over 20 years.
This move could not come any sooner for Portsmouth which has been plagued by the housing crisis, like much of the UK and specifically areas in the south of the UK.
Not only does this development reduce the housing waiting list in the city but it has proven to truly regenerate the complex urban site to the modern standard.
Councillor Hugh Mason, cabinet member for planning policy and city development, said: “Delivering affordable housing options is a cornerstone of building strong communities in Portsmouth.”
“Through our partnership with VIVID, we’ve demonstrated how we as a council and the private sector can work together effectively to increase the amount of affordable housing in our city.”
Tristan Samuels, Group Director of Development and New Business at VIVID said, “Our strong partnerships with the council and Homes England enabled this development of affordable homes to happen, with 110 for social rent and 73 for shared ownership. Together we have the expertise and financial strength to complete these types of projects where many would think it isn’t possible. These homes are vital to people of Portsmouth and the economic growth of the region. We’re delighted to have been involved in this development, now called Kingston Place, to create a thriving community in the heart of the city.”
Greg Williams, Head of Business Development at Compariqo, said “Projects such as these are exactly what we love to see at Compariqo. The big focus on affordable housing is vital for the British housing climate and we at Compariqo are here to help every step of the way!”
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