The once-busy street off Commercial Road has seen a few setbacks over recent years, most notably the closure of Debenhams, which was last open in 2020. It did not reopen after the inter lockdown, and the chain announced in January 2021 that all its shops would be shutting.
Work is awaited on a 28-storey block of student flats, the preparations for which have seen businesses moved out. Last year the developer said that action would be seen soon. In the meantime, graffiti and broken windows are proliferating, asthese pictures by Mike Cooter show.
1. Graffiti covered boards across the entrance to the former Debenhams shop in Arundel Street. Picture: Mike Cooter (05042023)
Graffiti-covered boards across the entrance to the former Debenhams shop in Arundel Street Photo: Mike Cooter
3. Vision for the area
Fusion Students released plans for purpose-built student homes at 12-28 Arundel Street, Portsmouth Photo: Fusion Students
