New North End affordable housing scheme hosts city councillors

The redevelopment of part of the former Odeon cinema on Laburnum Grove in North End was the focus of a visit from a group of Portsmouth City councillors yesterday. Leader Councillor Steve Pitt, together with local Nelson ward councillors, helped mark the progress that’s been made to date by laying a number of bricks on this brownfield site.

The scheme is being delivered by leading affordable housing provider, VIVID, which is based in nearby Wharf Road, together with its development partner, Imperial Homes. Once completed, the scheme will feature 12 houses and 6 apartments.

Tristan Samuels, VIVID’s Group Development & New Business Director, said: “We were pleased to welcome the city councillors to the site, and share the progress so far. This site holds significant history in Portsmouth - it’s exciting to be able to repurpose such a well-known space to provide homes to people who need them”.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Steve Pitt with responsibility for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: "We're pleased to see the former Odeon cinema being repurposed into affordable housing in Portsmouth and to be a part of the laying of bricks ceremony.

"We look forward to watching the progress on this site and to the time when families can move into the new affordable homes."

Ben Olds, Land Director at Imperial Homes, added: “Imperial Homes have enjoyed a longstanding relationship with VIVID, having successfully delivered multiple joint venture projects across the South Coast.

“We consider everyone should be able to live in a home they feel proud of, feel safe in, and importantly close to their family and friendship network.”

This development follows the recent news that VIVID’s work on the former Kingston Prison site has been completed, with all homes now occupied.