Portsmouth City Council continues negotiations over purchase of former Debenhams site in Southsea

WHILE the future of Southsea’s historic Knight and Lee building has been secured, more housing and a ‘health hub’ is set to be built across the road.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Aug 2022, 19:03 BST
Updated 10th Aug 2022, 19:03 BST
How Debenhams in Southsea could look. Picture: National Regional Property GroupHow Debenhams in Southsea could look. Picture: National Regional Property Group
How Debenhams in Southsea could look. Picture: National Regional Property Group

In 2020, Debenhams made the decision to close its store in Palmerston Road.

The decision was taken before Covid-19 had hit, with Debenhams going through a ‘restructuring’ process.

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Cabinet member Cllr Darren Sanders said: ‘When Knight and Lee and Debenhams both closed it knocked the two front teeth out of Southsea.’

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Last year, planning permission was secured by the National Regional Property Company to build 134 flats, a GP practice and a dental surgery.

The proposals include the redevelopment of the upper four floors of the existing building into 98 flats. A new three-storey block of 26 homes will be built at the back.

Final planning permission was granted on November 10, allowing work on the building to start, but Portsmouth City Council is still in the process of negotiating its purchase.

Related topics:Portsmouth City CouncilDebenhamsSouthseaCovid-19