Transformation of former prison site brings 183 much-needed affordable homes

VIVID and Portsmouth City Council, have worked in partnership 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 average salary, meaning that many people cannot afford new homes built to modern standards on the open market in this city.

Following the closure of Kingston Prison in 2013, it was purchased by a developer as part of a portfolio of prison sites in 2014 and the future of this historic landmark was uncertain.

The developer consulted on plans for a museum but preferred an exclusive private residential scheme. This was initially turned down by the council's planning team, the Local Planning Authority (LPA), who felt that this development should deliver some of these homes as affordable to support the city’s housing needs.

The concept of converting the old prison into homes whilst protecting its architecture and heritage took on a new life when planning was submitted in 2016. When, in addition to the original prison being transformed into luxury apartments, a proposal to deliver all of the new build homes as affordable homes was brought forward, thanks to the commercial backing of VIVID, working closely with Homes England and the city’s planning team. Working collaboratively and transparently to understand the viability challenges this complex site offered, Portsmouth City Council was able to support the application. This enabled VIVID to deliver on its promises and develop the largest single affordable housing development in the city for 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 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".