VIVID and Portsmouth City Council, have partnered to bring 183 new affordable homes within the former Kingston Prison site, demonstrating the role housing associations and local authorities play in regenerating complex urban sites and helping to reduce the housing waiting list in the city.
The average house price in Portsmouth is over seven times the average salary, making it difficult for many people to afford new homes. Kingston Prison, which closed in 2013, was initially considered for a museum but was later proposed as a private residential scheme. After facing opposition, a new plan was submitted in 2016, including the transformation of the old prison into luxury apartments and the construction of new affordable homes. With the collaboration of VIVID, Homes England, and the city’s planning team, Portsmouth City Council supported the application. This led to the largest single affordable housing development in the city in over 20 years.
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 the 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.”
VIVID worked in partnership with housebuilder Drew Smith, part of the Vistry Group.
Councillor Hugh Mason, Cabinet Member for Planning Policy & City Development at Portsmouth City Council 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."
Image provided by Vivid Homes.
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