But that doesn’t mean we are not bursting with opportunities to bring about a regeneration in the areas they are most needed - it just means we have to be far more clever with the sites we have.
Like other cities around the country we have derelict and long-empty sites whose potential is just going to waste, and we need to make sure everything possible is done to ensure that businesses don't let those opportunities go and make the most of them.
The long talked about regeneration of the north of the city centre has moved at a glacial pace for many a year, but now there may be reason to believe there may be more reason to be optimistic with planning permission finally granted for a scheme.
New housing is being created in areas such as Somerstown replacing Horatia House and Leamington House (captured in the video embedded in this story), plans for tower blocks have also been mooted in our city centre and work is also ongoing to bring Hilsea Lido back to life.
But we also need to make sure we do not just concreate over everything or just focus on our brownfield sites - and a new country park could be just the answer we have been looking at.
Here we look at 16 sites in the city which we believe hold the key to a real rejuvenation in our city to ensure it succeeds both today, but also in years to come.
13. Somers Orchard project
A major city centre development that aims to add hundreds of new homes, commercial spaces, and public areas is set to be be created in a key area of the city. The project, called the Somers Orchard development, includes two main proposals that could significantly transform Somerstown - replacing Horatia House and Leamington House. The first proposal involves building 319 affordable flats that will be rented out by Portsmouth City Council. These flats will be spread across three blocks and provide better quality housing for local residents. Photo: PCC
14. Former Slindon Street Post Office hub
It was once a busy Post Office hub, but the sorting, delivery and collection services have been slowly taken away from this city centre site over the decades. The parcel pick up service at Slindon Street was the last to close in 2016 when it was relocated to the north of the city and the building has been largely unused since - with the exception of the Post Office site. Since then planning permission has been secured for the demolition of the eastern side of the former sorting office, which has been unused since 2016, to make way for the new 19-storey building to accommodate new apartments. Permission was also granted to create a 218-bed hotel - except the existing Post Office unit. However, the Post Office is looking at selling off this site - so these plans may change further before any progress is made. | Google Stretview
15. Former Royal Marines Museum site
The closure of the Royal Marines Museum's former home in Eastney was announced in 2016 due to concerns over its poor condition. But now this stunning building along the seafront has permission to be converted into a hotel, while plans are still afoot for a museum 'experience' at the historic dockyard. A new destination hotel on the seafront will be a huge tourism providing more 'luxury' options for guests looking to visit our city - and spend money in it! Photo: -
16. Horsea Island Country Park
The regeneration of the city is not being about homes, business and shops - it is also about green spaces. A new 128-acre Horsea Island Country Park is being created on the former landfill site next to Port Solent visible next to the M275. The country park was originally due to open in 2020 but the timescale slipped significantly, with key measures needing to be put in place including the correct monitoring infrastructure and active management plans for the site. When finished, the country park will be 'the equivalent of 86 football pitches’ and feature a wood with 50,000 trees, wildflower meadows, cycle trails, footpaths, picnic areas and stunning views across Portsmouth's historic harbour towards the Spinnaker Tower. This will not only help to attract visitors but will also be a fantastic facility for local residents to enjoy too. | Google Streetview