Warning issued over 'derelict' city centre
A much-needed revamp of Portsmouth's city centre looks set to be shelved after the collapse of the Northern Quarter scheme.
Portsmouth City Council had planned a 6m overhaul of the southern end of Commercial Road, including new streetlights, paving stones and artwork.
The work was meant to be carried out at the same time as the 500m Northern Quarter project, which would have seen 80 new shops, as well as restaurants, cafes and a hotel built in the city centre.
But the developer Centros – which was meant to stump up 2.88m towards the improvements – announced last month that all work was on hold because of the economic crisis.
It means the city council can't afford to meet the bill for the refurbishment works, which include pedestrianising Edinburgh Street and relocating the market.
Trader Michael Zeffertt, who runs Mack's Shack in Charlotte Street, said something had to be done.
'The situation in Commercial Road and the Cascades is dire,' he said.
'Portsmouth City Council has devolved too much power to private companies who are acting in their own interests and not in the interests of the city.
'People were so caught up in the euphoria of having this great development, and now it is not happening we are left with dereliction.'
The council has 2.88m set aside in its budget to pay for its share of the improvements, which could still be spent on the city centre if the work doesn't go ahead.
Mr Zeffertt, 64, said the city council could use funds to encourage businesses to move into the increasing number of empty shops in Commercial Road by setting up cheap rent deals with landlords.
'We are probably talking about a decade of depression,' he said. 'Just think how bad it will look in 10 years if nothing is done.'
Council leader Gerald Vernon-Jackson said some work would still be carried out to improve the area.
'I feel incredibly sorry for the people who have not got any certainty about what their future is,' he said.
'But things will take longer now the downturn has hit.'
Councillors will decide whether to put the improvement plans on hold at a cabinet meeting on Monday.
NO QUARTER
For years traders in Commercial Road have been affected by the Northern Quarter scheme.
In 2006, the city council served Compulsory Purchase Orders on businesses it needed to clear for the development.
The CPOs make it nearly impossible for traders to sell their businesses to anyone else and pointless to spend on improvements.
Last month, developer Centros announced it would not be able to get the scheme under way before the CPOs expire in December 2010.
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
