PT2: Portsmouth City Council Visions for the City

Images and information source: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/development-and-planning/planning-policy/the-portsmouth-plan-adopted-2012/

Future aims and policies for the development of the City by the Portsmouth City Council is documented in the Portsmouth Plan, adopted in 2012. Stating that by 2027, the city will be:

- A rejuvenated city

"Providing housing, employment, improved public transport links and associated facilities to create sustainable communities."

- A Sustainable city

"The carbon footprint of the city council will have been reduced by 30% from 2010/2011 by 2016/2017 and Portsmouth will be known as a low carbon city."

Plans for the Western Corridor, Portsea Island (Highlighted in Yellow), PCC

"This area covers the city’s retail core. The area is a hub for the city and the sub region for retail, leisure, jobs and services. This function and the individual roles of the distinct areas within the city centre will be strengthened. There will be significant levels of new retail facilities, business premises, cultural / civic uses, hotels and tourist activities and high density mixed use development at the Commercial Road shopping area, north of Market Way, Station Square, Guildhall Square and the Hard. Major interchange improvements are planned adjoining the two rail stations at Portsmouth & Southsea and the Hard, forming part of the strategy to make Portsmouth an attractive and sustainable location for investors and visitors. The city centre is expected to provide around 1,600 dwellings, 50,000m2 retail floorspace and 26,000m2 employment floorspace."

Key Target Points:

Urban Design

- Exceptional architecture that defines the city

- Pride

- Extraordinary designs for Ordinary buildings such as offices, housing, landmarks, new shopping facilities, public art and landscaping.

Retail Economy -

- New substantial retail development to be directed to the city centre

- >50,000m² net of new development needed

- Improvements to Northern end of Commercial road (Market Way)

- Attract shoppers

Office Economy -

- Key Employment opportunities

- Increased Office space

Other Town Centre Uses -

- Improvement to leisure facilities

- Hotel developments

- Additional 9,500m² food and drink developments

City Centre Homes -

- 1,600 new homes to be provided

Creating Places -

- Connectivity throughout city centre to be improved

Major improvements are required for the City, the council are currently focusing on sustainability and rejuvenating the high-street through the improvement and increase of business opportunities, employment, housing and leisure facilities including retail and food and drink. Many of which, I am aiming to provide through my design, with the addition of improving and diversifying the city centre for the current local residents.