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PRP Win Portsmouth Regeneration Bid

17.10.2002

Leading urban regeneration specialist, PRP Architects, working with Jon Rowland Urban Design, Arup and CB Hillier Parker, has beaten stiff opposition from teams led by Alsops, Broadway Malyan and HTA to win a competition to produce a community-led redevelopment masterplan for Somerstown, in central Portsmouth.

They have been appointed to support the Somerstown Community Board, Portsmouth City Council and Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Partnership in developing a comprehensive Regeneration Strategy and Action Plan for its implementation. The Partnership will represent local community groups in a six-month consultation and study process.

The 90 Ha neighbourhood with 4,400 dwellings, schools, university buildings and moribund shops, adjoins the city centre in a mix of traditional streets and 1960’s housing estates, some suffering the effects of poor design, layout and transport links - and the ensuing crime problems. The local ring road encircles the area and acts as a barrier to the vibrant city centre.

PRP’s challenge is to redress the lost identity of Somerstown and its surroundings and by making the most of its proximity to an historic naval city. Plans include making radical changes to movement and access as well as new and refurbished, residential, educational and commercial buildings.

“This project is vital for the future of Portsmouth as well as Somerstown,” says Andy von Bradsky, director of PRP Architects. “We have been chosen for this key regeneration scheme because we have the experience and multi-disciplinary skills to manage large, complicated city centre projects. Our grass roots consultation expertise will be invaluable, particularly over the coming six months.”