Major Portsmouth projects gathering pace across the city
Here’s a look at the major projects shaping Portsmouth, from sea defences and housing schemes to new leisure facilities, as the city marks its centenary year.
As Portsmouth celebrates 100 years of city status, a number of key developments are gathering pace. Several schemes are set to move forward in the months ahead, with some opening in the coming days.
Sea defences
The latest section of coastal defences is due to open tomorrow (April 2), running between the Hovertravel terminal and the Blue Reef Aquarium.
Visitors to the area will notice Centenary Place, formerly Serpentine Square, now established as a social hub with a play area, seating and planting.
The scheme also includes a two-way cycle lane, a widened promenade, granite surfacing around the Naval War Memorial and an expanded beach. The road will form part of a one-way system with a 20mph speed limit.
This stretch of seafront has been significantly enhanced, better showcasing the area’s Grade II listed memorials, lampposts and shelters, now positioned centrally to create a memorial walk.
Further sections, including the Clarence Pier frontage, are in their final design phase. Work between Southsea Common and South Parade Pier is already under way, with completion expected next spring.
Also scheduled for next spring is the stretch from South Parade Pier to St George’s Road in Eastney, taking in the rose gardens and Canoe Lake.
Knight and Lee
The future of the former John Lewis store on Palmerston Road remains uncertain following delays.
Developers THATgroup secured planning permission in 2022 for a mixed-use redevelopment, including a hotel, cinema, offices, gym, shops, food and drink venues, an indoor food market and a rooftop bar.
However, the leader of Portsmouth City Council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in early March that the developers have reportedly stepped back and are now looking to hand over the project.
Former Debenhams in the city centre
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On March 18, the council’s planning committee approved an outline application to demolish the former Debenhams building on Commercial Road.
Plans would see three towers, ranging from 16 to 29 storeys, delivering more than 700 homes.
Building A, the tallest, would include 222 flats alongside commercial space, lounges, a cinema and a gym.
Building B would provide up to 144 rental flats, with a 19th-floor terrace and access to shared amenities.
Building C would deliver up to 358 co-living units, with shared lounges, co-working areas, a gym and a bar with event space on the 15th floor.
Royal Marines Museum
At Boathouse 6 in the Historic Dockyard, the former Action Stations site is being transformed into an immersive attraction celebrating the “courage, sacrifice, and service” of the Royal Marines.
Plans include a reception area, film projection space with deployment footage, an interactive basic training zone with digital instructors, and an open area simulating the extreme environments faced on operations.
There will also be displays of Royal Marines Band Service artefacts, a virtual reality training experience, history gallery, remembrance room, exhibition hall, laser quest arena and drone showcase. A cinema will also return.
Fundraising continues ahead of a planned opening in July 2026.
Hilsea Lido
Hilsea Lido is set to reopen on Saturday 2 May 2026, marking a new chapter as a year-round destination.
Alongside the historic unheated pool, the site will feature a new sauna and pop-up food and drink offerings, helping bring regular activity back and secure its long-term future.
Building on refurbishment works by the city council, funded by the UK Government, the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, in partnership with South Downs Leisure, will lead the next phase of regeneration.
City Centre North
This major regeneration scheme aims to reshape the city centre with new homes, commercial space and public realm improvements.
Early phases are expected to deliver more than 900 homes, with the wider masterplan setting out a vision for up to 2,300 homes over the lifetime of the project.
In February, the council reported “positive market interest” and is now preparing to appoint a master developer to lead delivery across the area, including the former Tricorn and Sainsbury’s sites.
Horsea Island Country Park
The transformation of the former Paulsgrove landfill site into Horsea Island Country Park is a 128-acre regeneration project.
Once complete, it will be ‘the equivalent of 86 football pitches’, featuring woodland with 50,000 trees, wildflower meadows, cycle routes, footpaths and picnic areas.
The council is working with Veolia and other partners to resolve the contractual and environmental processes required to return the site for public use.
In March this year, a suggestion for a 100ft sculpture in the shape of an upright circular chain was shared – designed by celebrated sculptor Vincent Gray.
Victory Quay
VIVID Housing is progressing plans for a new waterfront community at Tipner East.
In partnership with the city council and Homes England, the development will deliver 835 homes, including affordable options such as shared ownership and affordable rent.
The scheme will also include a coastal footpath and a range of community and commercial spaces. The first homes are expected to be ready in late 2026.
Leamington and Horatia
The council is seeking a contractor for the first phase of its Somerstown housing scheme, with work due to begin in summer 2027 and complete by early 2030.
The development will replace the former Leamington and Horatia towers, demolished in 2022, with three new blocks of four, 10 and 18 storeys.
Homes will be managed by Portsmouth Homes and allocated through a dedicated lettings policy, supporting a balanced community that includes former residents.
Plans also include shared gardens, commercial units and a publicly accessible Changing Places toilet, with funding being sought from Homes England and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Bransbury Park Leisure Centre
Enabling works are due to begin this month on the new Bransbury Park leisure centre and healthcare hub.
Willmott Dixon has been appointed to deliver the project, which will include a 25m four-lane pool, learner pool, 65-station gym and two exercise studios, alongside healthcare facilities.
An upgraded artificial turf pitch and multi-use games area will also be created, with free public access and floodlighting.
The facility will be operated by BH Live as part of its extended contract with the council, marking a significant step forward in delivering new leisure and health provision for the south-east of the city.