Vistry to deliver 58-home affordable housing scheme in Portsmouth following deals with Homes England and Abri

Vistry has completed the simultaneous land acquisition of the site from Homes England and the forward sale of 58 homes to long-standing housing association partner Abri, ensuring 100% affordable housing delivery on the site to address local housing needs in the area. Through Abri’s Strategic Partnership with Homes England, grant funding is being combined with the housing provider’s own investment to ensure all homes are affordable. With full planning permission already granted by Portsmouth City Council, a start on site is anticipated this spring, with the first homes expected to complete in winter 2026, ahead of the final handovers in 2027.

The development will feature a broad mix of two- to four-bedroom homes to support diverse local housing needs, which will be fully electric, equipped with EV charging points and most of which will be constructed using timber frames built in Vistry’s off-site manufacturing facility.

The scheme will also deliver significant community and environmental benefits, including a central green space known as ‘Orchard Park’.

Trevor Wicks, Managing Director for Vistry Southern, said: "This deal exemplifies the strength of our partnerships model and our commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable homes across the South. By building on our existing longstanding relationships with Abri and Homes England, we’re proud to bring forward a development that will provide 100% affordable housing and long-term value for the local community."

Sam Stone, Director of Land and Planning at Abri, commented: “We’re proud to be working with Vistry and Homes England to bring forward this fully affordable development in Portsmouth. This represents another important step towards Abri’s ambition to continue investing in more much-needed and high-quality homes, a goal we plan to make bolder strides towards in our new 2026–2031 corporate strategy. By delivering these homes, we’re helping to create sustainable communities where people can thrive."

Simon Dougall, Head of Disposals at Homes England, added: “This development on the former site of the St James’ hospital in Portsmouth is an excellent example of how collaboration between the public and private sector can deliver the affordable homes that communities need. “By working closely with Vistry and Abri, we're helping to bring forward 58 quality homes in Portsmouth that will provide lasting benefits for local families.”