Green light for former prison redevelopment

(image courtesy of City & Country)

Plans to build new homes on the site of a former grade II-listed prison in Portsmouth have been given the go-ahead.

Portsmouth City Council has approved City & Country’s planning application to construct 230 new homes at the site of the former Kingston Prison.

The Ministry of Justice sold the prison in 2014 after it had closed in 2013.

The scheme will involve restoring the grade II-listed cell block and converting it into apartments. The proposals also include the retention of the listed walls and gatehouse, which will feature a small café.

Prior to the application being submitted to the city council, the local community was invited to a series of public consultation events, with over 5,000 residents and community representatives attending and providing feedback on the proposals.

Richard Winsborough, associate director (planning) at City & Country, said: “Restoring these buildings was of paramount importance to us when we purchased Kingston Prison and we are pleased that members at Portsmouth City Council recognised the need of delivering a new future for the redundant site.

As well as providing fantastic, characterful new homes, the development will open up the prison to the wider community and enable the enjoyment of these magnificent buildings for years to come.”