PORTSMOUTH FULL SUMMARY OF PROJECTS
- Portsmouth - Gosport - Fareham - Havant - Waterlooville -

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/3317056898_e93765a6e3_bj1.jpg

PCC Planning department (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/planning.html) - Weekly list of Applications (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/346.html) - Search Applications (http://idox.portsmouth.gov.uk/online-applications/) - Committee Decisions (http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/3703.html)


Bear with me as I slowly flesh this out. I've found, while looking up other cities on this forum, that it is a huge help to have a decent (and up to date!) summary of projects. I hope to add as much info as possible as and when i have time to hunt this stuff down. Contributions are particularly welcome; pictures, information, websites anyone could provide + any inaccuracies / spelling mistakes / inconsistencies / omissions you notice. Just PM me. Cheers.

Brunel House | Hotel, Resi, Student accommodation | 120m | 40 fl | Pre-planning

Links
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/business/local-business/unveiled-plans-for-portsmouth-s-own-shard-tower-1-4507263
http://www.bouygues-uk.com/exhibition-to-show-plans-for-new-landmark-tower-in-portsmouth
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=97616751&postcount=73

The proposition is to create a mixed-use development which will include a 200-bed hotel, a 600-bed student accommodation block, private residential units with car parking and retail units and ground floor to create a vibrant street frontage. This will be built by local contractor and sister company Warings, aiming to start construction in 2014. http://www.bouygues-uk.com/exhibition-to-show-plans-for-new-landmark-tower-in-portsmouth

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/brunel.jpg

The Blade | Student accommodation | 100m | 33 fl | On Hold (11/00071/FUL)

Links
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/opinion_split_over_blade_tower_for_portsmouth_s_students_1_2639082
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=2467
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=52170521&postcount=2184
http://www.architectureplb.com/site/index.html
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=2767

- 598 student bedrooms
- 4,500sq m of teaching space
- 300-seat lecture theatre
- 100-seat lecture theatre
- Catering outlet for approximately 200 people

The space will house the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies (ICJS) and the School of Education and Continuing Studies (SECS).

Current Status
On Hold, the developer Watkins Jones pulled out for unknown reasons. The university is reported to be seeking a new development partner to carry the project forward. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88213713&postcount=614

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/blade3.png


Number One Portsmouth | Hotel | 81m | 26 fl | Approved (08/01723/FUL)

Links
http://www.numberoneportsmouth.co.uk/
http://www.plcarchitects.com/index.html
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/buildings.php?id=5958

By Robert Gamlen Homes on site that is bounded by Surrey Street to the east and Station Street to the south.

Designed by PLC Architects, the 26 storey building features a stepped profile when viewed from the east and west, with a spire above it. It will be 81 metres to roof making it the second tallest building in the city, and 102 metres to the tip of the spire.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=2032


Current Status
Permission granted. Awaiting official announcement of operator and construction http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=88027412&postcount=610

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/station.jpg

Jurys Inn and Associated development | Hotel, Office | 61m | 15fl | On Hold (10/00935/FUL)

Links
http://www.mcaleer-rushe.co.uk/commercial-developments/current-and-future-projects/stanhope-road-portsmouth/#primary
http://www.jurysinns.com/4newhotels
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Hotel-chain-finds-room-for.4897123.jp

It comes from the pens of Urban Innovations with Zurich House itself having a business centre on the first floor with the subsequent nine floors each containing 23 bedrooms. An apart-hotel will occupy the upper four floors with a total of 47 units.

Next door, the developers plan a second building that will be another hotel but this time with 243 bedrooms, 38 apartments, 17 affordable homes and 8,000 square metres of office space.

There is also a future phase indicated in plans that could reach up to 100 metres in height complete with a distinctive triangular roofline rising diagonally from the height of its existing neighbour completing this mini cluster. Detailed design however has yet to be done and redevelopment of this will be some years away.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=1924


Current Status
On hold. Construction postponed by the financial crisis. Future unknown.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/CD13.jpg

Europa House | Hotel conversion | 18fl | Planning (12/00405/FUL)

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/business/local-business/hotel-will-revitalise-the-hard-1-3875554

Conversion of the former Pall Europe HQ into a 170 bed Travelodge, complete reclad of the adjoining MSCP and construction of new entrance lobby.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/Trav1.jpg

Lakeside Business Park | Office, Hotel, Medical, Car showroom | 90,000sqm | Planning & U/C (08/02342/OUT)

http://www.lakesidenorthharbour.com/
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=30856852&postcount=174

Application for 69,030sqm of gross external floorspace for Class B1(a) offices and 21,140sqm of other development (all gross external) to include: shops (Class A1) up to 1160sqm, restaurants/cafes (Class A3) up to 680sqm, 150-bedroom hotel and 40 room aparthotel (Class C1) up to 6500sqm & 3000sqm respectively, private hospital (Class C2) up to 7000sqm and car dealership (mixed use for car display/sales showroom and servicing/repair workshop) up to 2800sqm, with access roads/footways, landscaping and associated plant (the principles of access, landscaping and layout to be considered)

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/untitled2-4.jpg

Tipner | Mixed Use | 518 homes | 5 fl | Planning (10/00849/OUT)(11/00362/OUT)

http://www.tipner.co.uk/
http://www.hgp-architects.co.uk/build/residential/tipner-portsmouth/
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/163_104m_tipner_loan_plan_is_revealed_1_2301495
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/politics/redevelopment_of_portsmouth_s_gateway_is_getting_closer_1_2467599?commentssort=1&commentspage=2#commentsSection

Tipner is an important site at the entrance to the city. Originally a master plan was drawn up by the Tipner Regeneration Company for the entire site (parts owned by PCC, the MOD, SEEDA and TRC) this included a huge park and ride facility along with offices, shops and homes. Because of disputes between stakeholders TRC has progressed alone with an application for its plot. Fortunately they appear to have followed the basic layout of the original master plan allowing for future development of the other plots. All development here is dependant on the construction of a new junction onto the M275 it is currently anticipated that TIF will be used to finance this.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/235.jpg

Northern Quarter | Mixed Use | ?sqm | Pre-planning

http://www.centros.co.uk/current_projects_portsmouth.php

The original scheme, pictured below, was shelved in 2008 due to a long drawn out legal dispute with one of the existing shop owners (and complete nut) concerning a CPO + the efects of the financial crisis. The plans included a full size John Lewis and Marks & Spensers. New plans are expected next year.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/nq-model-1.jpg

Solent Forts | Hotels, Museum, Evil lair | Complete & Planning

http://www.clarenco.com/venues/spitbank-fort/about-spitbank-fort/
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=90727047&postcount=932

Three of the Napoleonic sea forts built to defend the approaches to Portsmouth Harbour are being converted into exclusive retreats by Clarenco. Spitbank the smallest of the three is complete, the other two No Mans Land and Horse Sands have recently been aquired and planning is underway.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/SBF1-1.jpg

Royal Haslar | Veterans Village, health centre, hotel, community uses | Pre-planning

http://www.royalhaslar.com/
http://www.haslarheritagegroup.co.uk/
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/hotel_planned_for_site_of_historic_haslar_hospital_1_1251746
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/haslar_pensioners_could_use_gosport_mod_site_1_1234751

The Royal Hospital Haslar, completed in 1762, was built to provide a dedicated military hospital for the Royal Navy. Set in over 60 acres of beautiful parkland, with many Georgian Grade II listed buildings and a prime seafront location.

In November 2009 the Ministry of Defence (MoD) sold the site to OurEnterprise, a company dedicated to pioneering new models of social and community-led regeneration. This new model is delivered through a Social Enterprise Partnership between public, private, and third-sector organisations, which together commit to deliver a united vision of physical, social and cultural regeneration.

Its anticipated that this will become a large retirement community designed specifically for ex service personnel, in the style of the royal hospital Chelsea, dubbed by the media the 'Haslar pensioners'. The huge site will accommodate a diverse range of associated uses including healthcare, a micro brewery, community centre, arts centre, hotel and so on.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/aerial06.jpg


Queens Hotel Southsea | Boutique Hotel, Spa, Appartments | 7 fl | Approved (08/01941/FUL)

http://www.plcarchitects.com/index.html
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=43640700&postcount=265
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/planning/Landmark-hotel-is-saved-by.5665654.jp

Redevelopment of the Queens Hotel in Southsea as a 22 room boutique hotel and spa, with 30 appartments
on the top floors and a further 30 appartments in a new building next door.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/untitle2.jpg

Queens Hotel Car Park | Apartments | 9 fl | Planning (10/01247/FUL)

Construction of eight-storey building comprising 38 apartments above extended landscaped podium level and associated car parking facilities.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/Untitled-12.png

Allders Warehouse site, Cross Street | Residential | 165 units | 9 fl | Approved (08/00142/FUL)

http://www.assael.co.uk/

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/1.jpg

The Camber, Broad Street | Residential | 5 fl | Approved (C*20262/AB)

http://www.westmarkdev.co.uk/developments/developments.php?dev=13&type=res

CONSTRUCTION OF SEVEN 3/4 STOREY HOUSES; 4 STOREY BLOCK COMPRISING TWO RESTAURANT/CAFE UNITS (CLASS A3), SEVEN APARTMENTS AND VIEWING GALLERY, ASSOCIATED CAR PARKING AND IMPROVEMENTS TO SEA DEFENCES (AFTER DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS)

Although this may be a tiny development, its right on The Point in Old Portsmouth (on the site of the former wightlink workshops) and as such will have a big affect on the feel of this area.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/4535.jpg


Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers | 65,000 tonnes | Under Construction

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=468777

These Beauties are going to make their presence felt in Portsmouth in the not too distant future. They should be quite a prominent feature of the skyline.


CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS

Mary Rose | New ship hall and museum | Under Construction (08/02218/FUL)

http://www.maryrose.org/new_museum/index.html
http://www.wilkinsoneyre.com/projects/mary-rose-museum.aspx?category=cultural

A new purpose built museum designed by Wilkinson Eyre to house the Mary Rose and for the first time display the ship alongside the wealth of items discovered with it. A highly complex structure bridging not only the in situ ship, enclosed within its carefully regulated climate, but also the grade 1 listed dry dock in which she sits.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/a-1.jpg

ARTches and Round Tower | Gallery | Under Construction + Pre-planning

http://www.theroundtower.co.uk/
http://www.deerparkalpha.org/historic-restoration-southsea-hampshire.html
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/Work-on-city39s-39art-quarter39.6609346.jp
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=66383173&postcount=398

"A medium term project that will enable Portsmouth to bring back into use, its built Heritage. The Hot Walls arches have been used by Point Battery Artists for many years while the Point Barracks and Round Tower have stood empty with little or no public access, except for Heritage Open days once a year when the tower has been opened and has been visited by 100′s of people. Point Barracks was once used by Fort Cumberland Guard as their ‘museum’ and there is still some evidence of this, but not in a condition where it could be displayed.

The ARTches project aims to turn these buildings into an Arts and Crafts quarter for the city. “ - David Evans, Seafront Manager PCC

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/Artches.jpg


Eldon Building | Faculty of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCi) | Under Construction (11/00336/FUL)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=76793431&postcount=467
http://www.port.ac.uk/departments/academic/architecture/projectoffice/recent/westwing/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cci_gallery/4987106494/in/photostream/

The Eldon Building is intended to form the heart of a cluster of creative and entrepreneurial spaces in Portsmouth, with the enlarged building forming a dynamic ‘hub’. The new west wing of the Eldon Building will have two broad uses: as exhibition space and as social and reflective areas for viewers to engage with the exhibited work, thereby enhancing educational value. Designed by Penoyre & Prasad it was submitted for planning in April 2011.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/6915408569_88ea919dd6_z.jpg


New Theatre Royal | Theatre, Performing Arts Centre, Student Accomodation | 11fl | Planning

http://www.newtheatreroyal.com/index.php/about/future-plans
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/500000-grant-could-help-bring.6688809.jp
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=84142336&postcount=568

Long term restoration and rebuild of the New Theatre Royal, Working with the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire and the university of Portsmouth the theatre trust hopes to rebuild the back of house facilities destroyed by fire and create a performing arts centre for the university along with student accommodation on the top floors.

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/0245.png


HMS Caroline

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Caroline_(1914)
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/newshome/First-World-War-ship-could.6586005.jp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18367687

With the expected decommissioning of HMS Caroline, the only surviving WW1 RN cruiser, veteran of the Battle of Jutland and the second oldest commissioned ship in the RN, currently docked in Belfast and used as a base for the local Royal Navy Reserve. It is expected that she would move to Portsmouth and join the other historic ships (Mary Rose, Victory, Warrior, M33 and Alliance) as an example of a WW1 cruiser.



OTHER

Rowner Renewal | Housing | 250 new homes (750 in total) | Under construction

http://www.rownerrenewal.com/

West Waterlooville MDA | Housing | 2,500 homes | Planning

http://www.havant.gov.uk/havant-6578
http://www.newlandshampshire.co.uk/
http://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/newhomes/Southern+Counties/Dukes+Meadow/

The Newlands common development by Grainger Trust plc on the West Waterlooville development area will include; 2,500 homes, a total of 30 acres of open space, a new primary school, a health centre, a league standard cricket pitch and a community centre with a 200-seat hall. There will also be shops and children's play areas and a wetland habitat for wildlife.


Daedalus | Airfield, light industry and Housing | 204 acre | Pre-planning

http://www.daedalus-seeda.co.uk/site/seeda/home
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/business/local-business/lee-on-the-solent-enterprise-zone-gets-2-94m-cash-injection-1-3959468

A former Royal Navy air station in Lee-on-solent now used by the police and RN search and rescue helicopters as well as the Hovercraft Museum. SEEDA planed to redevelop large amounts of land around the airfield for housing and business use including provision for avaition businesses with direct access to the airfield. It is now an enterprise zone.

Solent Gateway/Dunsbury Hill site Havant | Business park | 250 acre | Pre-planning

http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/business/12858.html
www.portsmouth.gov.uk/media/Dunsbury_Hill_press_release.doc
http://www.havant.gov.uk/havant-9696
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/local/east-hampshire/163_104m_tipner_loan_plan_is_revealed_1_2301495

While this is in Havant Borough the land is owned by Portsmouth City Council. A TIF bid is being put together to progress an office development here.

There really is a lot going on here, I personally cannot wait for that infill development behind debenhams. That little quarter really lets the city down right now. I support redevelopment of Matalan and its Carpark too...

The new housing estate on the former Westfield and Saxon Shore Schools site has begun. It is called 'King Richards Place'.

http://www.barratthomes.co.uk/new-homes/city-of-portsmouth/H599501-King-Richards-Place/

Oddly, though the site boasts excellent links to the M27, it has ZERO mention of being 5 minutes walk from Portchester Station. Quite telling don't you think?

^^ typical of these twee little England housing estates.

Amid all the noise and uncertainty surrounding BAE's future in Portsmouth (and a plethora of misleading headlines about 'dockyard' closure) a report into the economic impact it could have on the region. Little reason for optimism tbh. I kinda saw this coming way back when the government pushed for the BAE/VT partnership.

4,000 jobs at risk if Portsmouth’s shipbuilding base is closed

ALMOST 4,000 jobs would be lost if shipbuilding was axed at Portsmouth dockyard, according to a report published today.

The study – commissioned by local council and business leaders – examines three alternative futures for Portsmouth Naval Base at a time when its shipbuilding future is in doubt.

In the worst case scenario, if BAE Systems was to pull out, it would have a massive knock-on effect on the area – resulting in huge job losses, and a hit to the region’s economy of £370m a year.

BAE employs 1,500 ship builders in Portsmouth and a further 1,500 people working on the maintenance and repair work it does for the navy’s surface fleet.

But the report – commissioned by the Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (PUSH), the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and University of Portsmouth – looks at the wider impact on the area, and shows how the region would be hit if the shipbuilding firm was to pull out of Portsmouth.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/defence/4-000-jobs-at-risk-if-portsmouth-s-shipbuilding-base-is-closed-1-4001906

It seems to me its a toss up between scenario 2 & 3. Somewhere between the two the most likely tbh. >(

y r we building 2 aircraft carriers if we dont have aircraft to put on it! unless they are building a good 100 or so aircraft

and also, this city needs to think of its aesthetics and start getting rid of these run down abandoned buildings, and council blocks... i hate them

replace them with something the looks decent, i mean it doesnt have to be anything like east side plaza

There are a depressing number of abandoned buildings in really high profile locations in Pompey. It doesn't project the right image to the world at all.

Why we still have no news about the Zurich house refurb I don't know. The developers McAleer & Rushe have started and completed hotels for Jury's Inn in both Newcastle and Bradford since 2008, why not Pompey?

Just looking at the McAleer & Rushe website and found this image, which wasn't part of the original application, showing the tower phase (given Zurich house is 61m) at least 120-140m! Damn this bloody recession!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/Stanhope-Rd-Portsmouth-2.jpg

Looks as if the Savoy Buildings site is to change hands;
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/pompey-past/harry-redknapp-set-to-lose-4m-on-portsmouth-land-deal-1-4053312

Should have been refurbed, not destroyed in an 'accident'.

Whatever the cause of that fire it seems it didn't boost the land value. Redknapp's taken a substantial loss by anyone's measure. Hopefully this might mean something will get built.

Just a quick pic of the massive solar array currently being installed on Gunwharf's roof;

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7566322796_3e284ec7b0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/top_gun_1uk/7566322796/)
portsmouth wed 11 july 12 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/top_gun_1uk/7566322796/) by top_gun_1uk (http://www.flickr.com/people/top_gun_1uk/), on Flickr

I was not aware of this, progressive! Looks to be a fairly large array, given the generating power of modern cells and the fact that Portsmouth currently draws its power from the Oil fired Fawley, this should make a huge difference to the centres green credentials.

Its designed to meet the energy requirements of the car parks. Will look kinda awesome on a sunny day alongside the solar array to be installed on the CP at Europa House.

I took some photos of the new Mary Rose Ship Hall today (looks fantastic!) but they show up as blank white pages in Photoshop. Will open them up at work then post.

^^ Sounds good, really keen to get down there myself and have a look. Are all the hoardings down now?

The New Theatre Royal has succeed in raising the £4million needed for its redevelopment, the student element has been dropped and a new application is going in soon with construction expected in January! :)

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/business/local-business/portsmouth-s-new-theatre-royal-reaches-funding-target-1-4070677

http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/36808/4m-rebuild-of-portsmouths-new-theatre?

Yes they are, just a standard temporary fence now. A tower crane has been erected at the Eldon Building site too, foundations are pretty much done.

Whoever's still in Portsmouth - any updates on No. 1 Portsmouth? According to the update Robert Gamlen gave me a while ago, it should be starting soon, if it hasn't already done so, unless they've come across another unforeseen hurdle.

^^ Currently floating in lovely Bembridge Harbour waiting for the tide to come back but planning to have a little cycle around the city this evening so will have a gander and try take some pics. Can't see anything starting without an official announcement of operator and build contracts tho.

Check out the Eldon development whilst you are here, it's in full swing now.

Will do, gonna try to take some pics of Eldon, Theatre (before anything starts), No. 1 pompey, Mary Rose, maybe some shots of Europa House before the reclad... can you think of anything else?

The New Theatre application is up (minus student accommodation). Not as exciting as previously but still looks a high quality addition in form and function; 12/00823/FUL (http://idox.portsmouth.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=M7M14VMO04R00)

There's also an application to put up an advert on the hoardings at The Blade site stating they expect them to be there for approximately three years, probably not of much significance but worth a mention.

A shame, the original proposal was 11 floors wasn't it? It still looks pretty good, though.

There's also an application to put up an advert on the hoardings at The Blade site stating they expect them to be there for approximately three years, probably not of much significance but worth a mention.

Who expects who to be there? Does that suggest that it'll be 3 years until the Blade actually starts construction, or that it could be built within the next 3 years? Hopefully the former, if the University manage to find a new developer.

OK so i took a shed load of pics but can't flood the thread with them right now as thanks to a crap wifi service it has taken 20min to upload just three to photobucket :bash:

Anyway heres the NTR
The front;
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2071.jpg

The back;
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2067.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2089.jpg

Here we go then a quick round up of mostly inactive projects.

Good to see progress on groundwork for the Eldon extension;
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2072.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2073.jpg

No. 1 Portsmouth;
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2065.jpg

The Blade;
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2120.jpg

Zurich House in a really depressing state;
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2110.jpg

Looking like something out of a disater movie with a big hole on the first floor (the council should be putting big pressure on McAleer to do something with this site);
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2111.jpg

Sorry about the crap pic but looks as if somethings happening on the Somers town community centre site (this was on both sides of the road, looks like rerouting utilities);
http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/DSCN2128.jpg

Hunt for company to build the Blade tower continues

DELAYS continue to cast a shadow over the future of a landmark building in Portsmouth city centre.

In March The News reported that the developer due to start work on the University of Portsmouth’s huge new hall of residence – dubbed the Blade tower because of its striking appearance – had pulled out.

Now the university has confirmed that more than four months later it still does not have a company lined up to build the tower.

The iconic structure is supposed to stand on the site of the former Victoria Baths and rise more than 300ft high above the city’s skyline.

It was originally set to be finished next year in time for the start of the September term.

But financial reasons led to construction firm Watkin Jones abandoning the project and the university told The News it has not yet gone out to tender for a replacement.

A spokeswoman said: ‘The University of Portsmouth will soon begin the tender process of seeking a new partner to develop the scheme as originally conceived.

‘The tender process will be published in due course in European media as European procurement processes require us to do.’

The building was granted planning permission last year amid controversy over its height and modern design, but won the support of the Portsmouth Society and the Canon of St John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral David Hopgood.

But objections were also raised by local residents and English Heritage.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/business/local-business/hunt-for-company-to-build-the-blade-tower-continues-1-4111135

:)

Not getting us anywhere though, surprisingly few retard comments on the news though.

Not getting us anywhere?

As in we are no closer to a start.

Good news that the university are still serious about getting it built though, could easily be dropped entirely or replaced with something less ambitious.

visited portsmouth a couple of days ago and snapped a few pics

portsmouth cathedral from the spinnaker tower
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/4773PortsmouthCathedral_pic2.jpg

admiralty tower

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/4754AdmiraltyTower_pic5.jpg

and the spinnaker tower

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/406SpinnakerTower_pic6.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/406SpinnakerTower_pic8.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/406SpinnakerTower_pic10.jpg

What day did you visit? I was up the tower myself on Friday...

Plans have been submitted for a 120 bed De Vere Village hotel and Leisure Club at North Harbour (just opposite the New Porsche centre) by EPR Architects (12/00924/FUL).

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/Devere.jpg

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/Devere1.jpg

Bit suburban with windswept carparking but at least the area is filling out. What gets me though is wouldnt people want their hotel in the actual city?

Well being on the lakeside site kinda indicates the market they're going for... like it or not this is now Portsmouths 'business district'. Even before they build the massive quantity of office space they have planning for, there's probably more sq ft of office space at north harbour than in the entire city centre.

I see theyre removing the external lift from the spinnaker tower;
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/politics/spinnaker-tower-lift-removal-begins-1-4248887

Major embarrassment for all concerned, wonder how much money was spent on this thing? It should dramatically improve the towers appearance from the Gunwharf side at least.

The Eldon development really is getting underway - I got back to Portsmouth this weekend and was pleasantly surprised, it's definitely the most active project at the moment.
I'll get some photos tomorrow (I don't have the Internet connection set up in my flat yet, using the Central Library, so it'll be harder to transfer/upload photos).
It's currently 2 floors high and the site was very busy when I walked past earlier.

Also I saw that the Blade site has new hoardings with University adverts - was that the one you were mentioning a while ago, Pompey77? I wonder if it means they might have found a developer, or they're just using the site to advertise while things are quiet...does anyone know how long the new hoardings have been there?

As promised - photos from my Blackberry, taken yesterday:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20120919-00405_zps61235c30.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20120919-00407_zps53e5212a.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20120919-00408_zps45cadade.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20120919-00409_zpsdfaec2a5.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20120919-00410_zps7f97f41a.jpg

Its good to see something get off the ground in Portsmouth, thanks for the pics superman.

I work in Eldon still, I really should take more.

Made the mistake of opening one of the widows whilst teaching in Eldon South today. NOISE!!!!!

A few shots from today taken with my Blackberry (I keep forgetting to take my camera when I walk past, I shall make an effort to do so next time).

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/Eldon1.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/Eldon2.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/Eldon3.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/Eldon4.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/Eldon5.jpg

12/00998/OUT
Trafalgar Wharf Hamilton Road Portsmouth PO6 4PX

Outline application for mixed use development comprising retail shop and up to 163 dwellings in two-, three- and four-storey buildings and one 12-storey building incorporating restaurant/café facilities with associated landscaped areas and parking; a flood defence barrier; and the construction of up to 18,904sq.m of floorspace in buildings for ClassB1, B2 and/or B8 purposes, following the demolition of existing buildings, with access from Southampton Road and Hamilton Road [principle of access to be considered]

Outline designs;
http://idox.portsmouth.gov.uk/online-applications/files/7DBB33E905398CBC7D9340FCBE9BEBC7/pdf/12_00998_OUT-4.0_DESIGN_PART_05-536482.pdf

The Snooze story;
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/politics/new-scheme-will-create-3m-of-flood-defences-1-4358692

:)

Wow, like 300m from my house. This was proposed a long time ago but Mother Kelly's ruthlessly opposed it (despite the developer offering them a new premises in the development for free). It has been cut down to cater for them now, no idea why the place is horrible.

Since there was no taller element to the old plans I'd say that's a bit of a result, thanks be to the chippy!

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/Traf2.png

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/traf1.png

Might be a bit stumpy but it looks to have an interesting shape and given its location will have quite an impact.

So this is going to be on the mainland? Looks fairly interesting - as long as it doesn't the same way as most of the other major projects currently approved for the city (the Blade etc).

They have started on the last floor of the Eldon building today. Don't have pics, sorry

I'll get pictures tomorrow, I live on the same road. :)

Took me a while, but I got some pics yesterday:

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20121027-00435.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20121027-00436.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20121027-00437.jpg

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20121027-00438.jpg

And a bonus one from today...after taking a while to cross the road right in the middle of the Great South Run!

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/IMG-20121028-00442.jpg

Nice pics! They are also doing a site open day on the 9th and 10th November. I'm going on the 10th. Do you by any chance have any blueprints/engineering information on the somerstown project?


http://www.opendoorsweekend.co.uk/find-an-event/eldon-west-wing.aspx

I'm working at my other place in the 10th till 3 but I will come along after. I work in Eldon North Wing during the week so I will be very interested to se what my new office will be like (if I can keep getting work there).

I'm going to be in London on the 9th seeing the Place and the Aquatics Centre, but I may well visit the Eldon development on the 10th.
I think we have to register for places though, like I did for the London sites.

I can't say I have any details about the Somerstown project, but if I hear anything I will let you know. :)

I'm going to be in London on the 9th seeing the Place and the Aquatics Centre, but I may well visit the Eldon development on the 10th.
I think we have to register for places though, like I did for the London sites.

You lucky so and so. Although I would rather give my left arm for a visit to a crossrail site. I miss London :( (nothing against Portsmouth I swear :p )



I can't say I have any details about the Somerstown project, but if I hear anything I will let you know. :)
Thanks :)

Well London's only 90 minutes by train... ;)

Well London's only 90 minutes by train... ;)

Civil engineering is a demanding subject ;)

Zurich House looks like all systems go on its refurb! The road has been closed and there has been some serious work going on, notably a complete interior strip out. You can actually see through it now.

Somerstown Bridge/Community Centre frankenbridge is well under construction now. Nothing above ground yet but the foundations are well underway.

Winston Churchill Avenue council flats are nearing completion, the townhouses look awful and out of place. Far too suburban for that location.

Eldon West has topped out.

Works have begun on the Northern Road replacement over the West Coastway Line at Cosham.

Porché centre Portsmouth is practically complete.

Enabling works are underway for the rest of the North Harbour business park.

Mary Rose museum is nearly finished.

Looks like Portsmouth is picking itself back up again as we return to growth!!

Great to hear somethings actually happening at Zurich House, some pictures would be good...

Theres nothing making it official on either the Mcaleer & Rushe or Jury's inn websites.

Theres some very encouraging talk that Clarenco, the company which now owns all three of the large Solent forts is intrested in buying South Parade pier to use as their departure point to the forts.

Yes I have seen some information on this. I was discussing this with Octoman yesterday, Southsea is a disgrace and the pier is the most obvious sign of this. How it was ever let to get to this state I don't know.

I did notice that Stanhope Road had loads of roadworks, I didn't go down and have a look at Zurich House though. Now that I know something's going on, I'll go down either tomorrow or Monday with my camera to see what's happening.

Take a look from commercial road, you can see clear through it. I now know where the lift shafts are.

Visited Eton today. One impressive thing I learnt was that there are concrete columns holding the first floor to the second, thus they are in tension cause the architects specs defined that the main outside columns must be in one piece and holding the second floor up. Quite a unique building i must say.

Eton or Eldon? :tongue2:

Eton or Eldon? :tongue2:

Eldon, I was drunk when I wrote that, seems like I wasn't drunk enough :lol:

Oh dear : http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/politics/objections-to-portchester-tower-plan-1-4501460

Idiots. Anyway, if it makes you feel better, a 40 story behemoth just got proposed for the Brunel House site.

My...god! :banana:

Here's the article:

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/business/local-business/unveiled-plans-for-portsmouth-s-own-shard-tower-1-4507263

And a couple of renders:

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimage/1.4507261.1353499517!image/903012890.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_595/903012890.jpg http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimage/1.4507262!image/2681796092.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_215/2681796092.jpg

Reminds me of this old proposal for Manchester (in terms of height and mass)..

http://skyscrapernews.com/manc_hardman4.jpg

how tall will it be?

Not sure. I will attend the consultation tomorrow.

good im sure you will let us know

At a guess I'd say ~130m, if it's 40 floors of residential/hotel. So maybe around the same height as the London Eye.

Right. It is 120m and essentially three buildings in 1.

1x 40 storey residential block with a hotel on the lower 12.

2x 14 story student wings.

http://i.imgur.com/uaNdc.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8ZD5h.jpg
On the Skyline

http://i.imgur.com/ek9y3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Jv7U7.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uvbzHh.jpg
The Wings

From the Highrise Proposal thread.

So its going to have student accomodation? Wish I started uni later now :(

Yeah, the open legs (gah! cannot unsee!!!) bit is for Students.

Wow, this is great great news for Portsmouth, but does anyone know anything about The Blade or Number One Portsmouth?

right here we are -
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=3232

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/3232ToweringTrianglePlansForPortsmouth_pic1.jpg

:drool: Construction could start in 2014? Can't wait.

I'm loving the 3 blades on the side. Is it too 'massive' though?

I'm loving the 3 blades on the side. Is it too 'massive' though?

I wouldn't say so, I think it's just what the area need's. 60 seconds away from Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station & The Hard Bus Terminal plus Gunwharf Quays Shopping Centre it's in the perfect location for a tall buildings, in my opinion it's the best practical location for a 100m+ building in Portsmouth what with the Spinnaker Tower & Number 1 Portsmouth a.k.a "The Lipstick" we could start to have a little Cluster forming:banana:

Plus need I remind anyone of the monstrosity this will hopefully replace.........

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Portsmouth_Brunel_House.JPG/1024px-Portsmouth_Brunel_House.JPG

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/76310_10152457896560323_2074397490_n.jpg

Eldon West

I wouldn't say so, I think it's just what the area need's. 60 seconds away from Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station & The Hard Bus Terminal plus Gunwharf Quays Shopping Centre it's in the perfect location for a tall buildings, in my opinion it's the best practical location for a 100m+ building in Portsmouth what with the Spinnaker Tower & Number 1 Portsmouth a.k.a "The Lipstick" we could start to have a little Cluster forming:banana:

Plus need I remind anyone of the monstrosity this will hopefully replace.........

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4d/Portsmouth_Brunel_House.JPG/1024px-Portsmouth_Brunel_House.JPG

Height, I'm fine with, but it looks too bulky for the location. To me anyway.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimage/1.4835103.1362036700!image/3946098066.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_595/3946098066.jpg

Plan's for a six storey apartment complex in Hilsea to replace the dilapidated run down 1930's bus depot have been approved today

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/environment/homes-plan-for-portsmouth-bus-depot-site-1-4835105

Big for that area. I doubt it will look any better than the abortion between Cosham Park and Cosham Station though.

Speaking of Cosham, has the Northern Road bridge shut now? That's going to cause some serious congestion.

Big for that area. I doubt it will look any better than the abortion between Cosham Park and Cosham Station though.

Speaking of Cosham, has the Northern Road bridge shut now? That's going to cause some serious congestion.

Yep, It shut about a month ago

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-21440260

However all the talk of "traffic chaos" appears to have been unfounded

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/transport/relief-as-start-of-bridge-work-goes-off-without-hitch-1-4786730

A misty day in Portsmouth, makes the hive of new crane activity at the Eldon building look rather impressive.

http://i573.photobucket.com/albums/ss180/KingOfTheTitans/EldonDevelopment_zpse9cb3cd0.jpg

If it clears up a bit in the next few days, I'll get some more updates.

Only got two crappy mobile shots but I just watched the Tower Crane base get lifted out. Cladding is well underway now :)

Indeed, there's a lot of brickwork going in underneath all the scaffolding. I'll try and get some pictures this weekend.

Anyone got any progress pics on the bridge going up down the road from trafalgar? I'm only 5 mins away and can see it while walking back home, but haven't gone that way since they started piling.

I keep meaning to get some pics, but always seem to be in a hurry as of late.

Same here - I shall get round to it eventually!

Hey skyscraper, what year are you in?

I'm in my third year, doing Civil Engineering. It's a four-year course though, so I'll be here next year too!
Are you at the University too?

They've installed glass panels on the ground floor of the Eldon development, I'll try and get some pictures soon.

That new tower is shocking! At 20 storeys its as wide as it is high. If that bit was proposed without the tower on top it would be laughed out of the planning office. Is it really necessary to be quite so wide. The Manchester proposal was infinitely more elegant and broke the massive width up by dividign the building into a proper tower and a lower height tower. Both read as slim towers - this reads as a massive fat wedge... with very bad cladding!

That new tower is shocking! At 20 storeys its as wide as it is high. If that bit was proposed without the tower on top it would be laughed out of the planning office. Is it really necessary to be quite so wide. The Manchester proposal was infinitely more elegant and broke the massive width up by dividign the building into a proper tower and a lower height tower. Both read as slim towers - this reads as a massive fat wedge... with very bad cladding!
This way they can use the area in the wedge as retail/open space. The ground below said open space may not be suitable to build anything large on it, thus architecturally speaking its actually a good design for any limited space on the site.


I'm in my third year, doing Civil Engineering. It's a four-year course though, so I'll be here next year too!
Are you at the University too?

They've installed glass panels on the ground floor of the Eldon development, I'll try and get some pictures soon.
I'm first year :) Gonna be here for the next few years as well. How hard was it for you to find accommodation after the first year?

I'm first year :) Gonna be here for the next few years as well. How hard was it for you to find accommodation after the first year?
Ah nice - welcome! I'll message you to avoid dragging this thread off topic. ;)

Went down to Gosport today and while going past the harbour station, I was looking at the columns and just the general state of the structure. The cross bracing in some places are bent and rusted up to the point where it looks like its going to flake off.

Just the general state and look of what you can see from the roadway made me cringe. Any idea whether there is going to be any plans to replace/renovate or rebuild the station?

^ I've been thinking about - since there's so much development planned for the Gunwharf/Hard area (Brunel House, Europa House etc), they could easily incorporate plans to give the station a makeover.

There are now plans for another hotel in the city centre next to Portsmouth & Southsea station. Not sure how big the building's going to be in terms of floor count, but it's replacing Midland House which has been abandoned for a decade:

New hotel plans for empty block by railway station
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/business/local-business/new-hotel-plans-for-empty-block-by-railway-station-1-4954429

A new hotel is set to be built on the site of an ‘eyesore’ city centre building that has been empty for nearly a decade.

Plans have been submitted to demolish Midland House in Dugald Drummond Street – next to Portsmouth and Southsea railway station – and replace it with an 84-bed hotel.

The proposed development by LaSalle Investment Management has seen Premier Inn sign-up to a 25-year lease which is also expected to create 35 new jobs and two new shops on the ground floor.

Built in the 1970s, Midland House was vacated by HSBC in 2004 and has stood virtually empty since.

Council leader, Cllr Gerald Vernon Jackson welcomed the plans and said: ‘It has been an old redundant building for a long time now.

‘It has looked terrible for years so it will be good to have it demolished and have something much nicer put there, not to mention it will bring new jobs to the city centre.’

Andrew Derry, development director at LaSalle, said: ‘It is excellent news for Portsmouth, and heralds a significant change in fortune for the city centre which should encourage redevelopment on other local sites. The local authority masterplan has identified this area as requiring special attention and, within the plan, this landmark site is earmarked for redevelopment to remove the unsightly and unsafe undercroft and to infill the ground floor to accommodate a variety of potential new uses including retail, cafe, restaurant and coffee bars.’

John Bates, head of acquisitions in UK and Ireland for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, which owns Premier Inn, added: ‘The new hotel in Portsmouth is in an ideal location with its proximity to the civic offices, university buildings and nearby shops and, subject to planning permission, we look forward to opening our doors to customers in 2014.’

Robin Dickens, director of the South Coast Agency team for Lambert Smith Hampton has been advising LaSalle, and said: ‘Midland House had become an eyesore within Portsmouth city centre and the Premier Inn is welcomed by the local authority to kick-start regeneration activity.

‘It will encourage redevelopment on other derelict sites.’

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm all for developing derelict buildings - the only problem I can see with this is that it's literally right next to the railway, so it's not the most appealing place for a hotel, they'll need to have some outstanding services so that they can encourage people to stay there.

A couple of the quotes are encouraging, though:
"It is excellent news for Portsmouth, and heralds a significant change in fortune for the city centre which should encourage redevelopment on other local sites." and "It will encourage redevelopment on other derelict sites."
So maybe it'll encourage them to get on with No. 1 Portsmouth and/or the Zurich House redevelopment at long last? They both seem to be dead in the water at the moment. It's not much to go by, but they're still rather positive words.

Went down to Gosport today and while going past the harbour station, I was looking at the columns and just the general state of the structure. The cross bracing in some places are bent and rusted up to the point where it looks like its going to flake off.

Just the general state and look of what you can see from the roadway made me cringe. Any idea whether there is going to be any plans to replace/renovate or rebuild the station?

Just took the same route as you earlier today, on the ferry and over to Gosport.

Couldn't really see any issues with the structure itself, rust isn't rampid and couldn't spot any bent bits..

Although I do agree it does need replacing in the future, it's condition isn't dire at the moment.

Edit: I was looking at it from the HMS Warrior side, after a walk from the naval base. Looks like you were talking about the roadside from Gunwharf. Guess I need to have another look :)

Just took the same route as you earlier today, on the ferry and over to Gosport.

Couldn't really see any issues with the structure itself, rust isn't rampid and couldn't spot any bent bits..

Although I do agree it does need replacing in the future, it's condition isn't dire at the moment.

Edit: I was looking at it from the HMS Warrior side, after a walk from the naval base. Looks like you were talking about the roadside from Gunwharf. Guess I need to have another look :)

Yep, via the south of station approach from the railway bridge. I honestly dont see how you can say that; I'm no expert, and can't see the entire structure, but the wood which is holding everything up doesn't look like its in good condition. Either way though, the amount of trains passing through a day is going to increase the rate of deterioration for sure. I don't think it was built to take so many trains a day. The direct contact to salt water surely isn't helping much though. Oh well, I trust NR engineers anyway :)

Also I would hate to be staying at that hotel right beside the station; the grinding of the train wheels as it goes through the station is enough to raise my stress levels while in the general area :ohno:

Plans were submitted at the beginning of the month to convert Mercantile house to student accommodation;

13/00289/FUL

Conversion to student halls of residence (Class C1) comprising 234 study/bedrooms in cluster flats and studios, including construction of 3 additional floors of accommodation (at roof level), and external alterations by re-cladding of the existing building (after partial demolition of the top floor); use of ground floor for retail floorspace up to 119sqm for Class A1, A2, A3, A4 or A5 purposes and communal facilities to Class C1 use, with associated cycle parking at lower ground floor level | Mercantile House Hampshire Terrace Portsmouth PO1 2EG

http://i271.photobucket.com/albums/jj130/regabc123/b3522d23b7bff2d2a5b93982353c3cb6_zpsd41c032e.jpg

Didn't this building a while back have settlement due to it being used as a library (what it wasn't designed for)? Also what is it being used for now? I seems empty currently whenever I see it from my room (West side of trafalgar)

It's empty. Though from the west, you can see my friends face (wearing a monocle) in the top right window.

That two floor height increase looks awful.

It's empty. Though from the west, you can see my friends face (wearing a monocle) in the top right window.

That two floor height increase looks awful.
Better than what we have now. Is it going to be reclad?