How city's skyline is reaching upwards

Accommodation in Greetham Street, built by Unite Students

Documents submitted by those behind the latest application show the architect initially envisaged a 25-storey block.

Planners now hope to win approval for the revised 19-storey building.

And they hope it will become a landmark in Portsmouth.

A submission says: ‘It is considered the palette of materials, colours, and facade treatments is designed to be seen and celebrate the building, in complement, not competition, with the surrounding vernacular of both new and old built form.

‘In terms of the skyline and roofscape, the building would create a subtle yet distinct landmark to the city skyline, pinpointing the station within the city and aiding legibility and navigation.’

Architects say the building will cause no harm to designated heritage sites.

Just across the road the 200ft Zurich House is due to take nearly 1,000 students when refurbishment of the former office block is complete.

Another block in Greetham Street, at 260ft tall, dwarfs nearby Enterprise House, which is 98ft tall.

Permission has also been granted for a 16 to 18-storey 228-bedroom hotel in Surrey Street, fronting Station Street, which will come in at an 216ft high.

By comparison, Spinnaker Tower in Gunwharf Quays reaches 557ft, East Side Plaza measures 331ft and Milgate House is 187ft.