Stamshaw to get six new Passivhaus council flats

New energy-efficient council flats are set to be built in Stamshaw, with construction expected to begin soon.

Portsmouth City Council has announced six flats will be built to Passivhaus standards on Twyford Avenue, replacing an existing building containing four flats which has suffered severe structural issues.

Councillor Darren Sanders, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: "This development at Twyford Avenue is another important step in our ongoing programme to deliver more homes Portsmouth residents can afford to live in.

“It forms part of a strong pipeline of housing projects across the city, helping us to make the best use of our land and provide more high-quality homes for people who need them."

The existing building is due to be demolished in October 2026, with the new flats expected to be completed by December 2027.

The original structure dates back to 1890, when it was built as two houses. The council converted it into four flats in 1974, but only one unit remains occupied.

The building has suffered structural damage and deterioration over the years, with inspections in 2015 and 2016 leading to two flats being left vacant.

The replacement will provide six one-bedroom flats, each designed for two people, alongside two off-street parking spaces.

Passivhaus standards aim to improve energy efficiency through effective insulation, airtight construction and controlled ventilation.

Developed in Germany in the 1990s, the approach can reduce energy consumption by up to 90 per cent compared with conventional construction.

Imperial Homes Ltd will deliver the project. The council said the contractor would “work closely with local residents and businesses throughout the development”.

The homes will be owned and managed by Portsmouth Homes, the council’s landlord service.

The council approved funding for the development in October 2023, with an estimated cost of up to £1.49m.