PT1: Current Visions
- Saffron Mead
- Dec 5, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 11, 2022
Projects in the process of planning and development for the City centre and Surrounding areas:
Proposal for the Renaissance development of the Portsmouth Guildhall South of Commercial Road
Plans to transform the Guildhall itself and Guildhall Square in response to feedback from the general public. The changes will turn Guildhall walk into a fully pedestrianised zone, adding extensions to the town hall and re-landscaping the direct surroundings into a more culturally dynamic area. The goal is to generate a sense of 'pride' for our city.
Plans for the Northern Quarter shopping village (£500m) on Market way Carpark (Previously the site of Tricorn Centre) which has been scrapped twice since its unveiling in 2005
The Northern Quarter development would have made use of a redundant space, however I don't believe it fully considers the needs of the high-street. It seems to be a kind of gentrification of the area, as if competing with Gunwharf Quays.
CGI of latest council plans for Market way Carpark (NCP) which will span across to the empty Sainsbury's building to the North of Commercial Road.
A better idea, the councils plans to turn the area into a park. Whilst this is preferable to the Northern Quarter, having a large space of green land above commercial road does not integrate into the rest of the high-street. It may end up isolated from the centre like Victoria park. or draw shops further away from the centre to the surroundings of the park. Causing further loss of businesses. Equally, It is not the ideal location access-wise being at the North end of the high-street next to main roads in and out of the city.
Plans to turn the old Sainsbury's building into an indoor skatepark alongside new park development (Above)
The indoor skatepark will give local youth's a safe place to gather and create social connections and skills. It also encourages physical activity and provides a space for this in multiple ways. It will also make use of a derelict building which will not require demolition.
Major 'revamp' planned for Victoria park (£2m)
Victoria park definitely needs more attention drawn to it, a central development to improve usability and encourage locals to use the area as a community hub. Much needed restoration of historic monuments and features. All according to feedback provided by the general public over the last couple of years, myself included. I recall being asked to describe the park in 3 words: Iconic, Invaluable and Unique.
A new University proposal: Victoria park building, will be situated to the south of the park, previously site of an indoor swimming pool.
In this image you can see the contrast in the size of the proposed build and the rest of the city, the simulation shows the site during the morning when the sun is from the East. Judging by the size of the shadow and the path its going to take during the day (Around the North side of the building, through the park) I believe this would have catastrophic effects on the health and atmosphere of the park.
Greenwashing - Catherine house
Several metres of mesh intended to support greenery up the side of the building, the plants are not looked after. The design has failed.
Greenwashing - a fake green wall inside the new River Island Boutique store on Commercial Road
Projects which may seem attractive at the plans stage, can be deceptive. Greenwashing is an example of this. Making a product or design look 'green' or eco-friendly, when actually it is not.
Southsea Debenhams to be converted into 134 Homes and Health Hub
There are similar plans to demolish the Commercial Road Debenhams building to make way for a residential Development.
“My priority here is the residents of Charles Dickens, many who live in social housing and poverty. If we see housing, it needs to be social, and we need to include things that do not exclude residents because of their financial status.” - Portsmouth city Councillor Claire Udy.
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