Former Portsmouth Poundland earmarked for 123 flats, cinema and planetarium
Plans would transform a vacant North End Poundland into a 123-suite co-living development
A disused Poundland store in Portsmouth would be turned into a housing development complete with cinema room, sky garden and planetarium under plans submitted to the city council.
Planning documents state the vacant retail unit at 98 London Road in North End would be converetd “into a unique, high-quality co-living development comprising 123 generously proportioned suites”.
Two additional storeys would be built above the existing property, with the uppermost floor boasting a “spectacular Sky Garden, providing residents with access to high-quality outdoor amenity space and panoramic views across the surrounding area”.
“At its heart lies the Avenue Atrium – a full-height, naturally lit and ventilated void that acts as both the structural spine and the community focus of the building.” the application states.
“It includes a range of exceptional facilities: the Forestry Room, Arts and Crafts Studio, Sensory Herb Kitchen, Community Hub, and, within the newly created upper floors, the jewel in the crown – a Sky Garden, Observatory, and Planetarium.”
The Community Hub would also include a 30-person multi-purpose cinema, functioning as a “cinema, meeting room, and flexible venue for yoga, tai chi, live music, and social events”.
The development would provide five parking spaces. The report notes that the site is adjacent to a public car park with 60 spaces. It adds that 125 cycle parking spaces would be provided to “reduce reliance on private vehicles”.
The development would comprise private bedrooms, alongside shared kitchens and communal spaces. It would also offer laundry services, a concierge and Wi-Fi included in the rent.
In closing, the documents state that the proposal “addresses a clear need: bringing a redundant building back into active use, avoiding the loss of family housing elsewhere, and creating a safe, inclusive environment where residents can thrive”.
So far, no residents have commented on the scheme, which can be viewed on the council’s planning portal using reference 26/00877/FUL.