Connect Centre flats plan could ease pressure on Portsmouth HMOs
Plans to convert the Connect Centre in North End into one-bedroom flats aimed at young professionals could “relieve pressure on HMO properties in Portsmouth”.
Cordage Group, acting on behalf of the applicants, secured planning permission in September last year to convert the vacant office block into 191 flats.
The group said it is carrying out further technical work to discharge planning conditions and that, if these are approved, “we will be in a position to begin the full development process by summer 2026”.
They said the decision to provide one-bedroom flats was taken “to meet the needs of young professionals working in the city, single occupants, Navy or MOD personnel, doctors and nurses working at Queen Alexandra Hospital, and those seeking low-cost rental properties with excellent access on and off the island.
“These homes will be affordable and aligned with market rents,” they added.
The scheme is being brought forward under a build-to-rent model, an investment approach designed for renters in professionally managed developments.
The developers added that “this is an exciting prospect for Portsmouth, bringing a significant number of affordable yet attractive rental homes to the city.
“The development will not only support the local workforce but also help relieve pressure on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) properties across Portsmouth”.
The building, formerly known as Baltic House, was built in 1973. It comprises two wings, with the west wing rising to 11 storeys and the east wing to seven.
The proposals include converting existing office space and undercroft areas into 175 flats. A two-storey extension would also be added to the eastern side of the building to provide a further 16 flats.
The parking layout would be reconfigured to provide 83 spaces, including eight with electric vehicle charging points – a reduction from the 221 currently on site.
A total of 191 long-stay cycle spaces would also be provided.
As part of the scheme, new walls and windows would be installed to enclose the undercroft areas, and a new vehicle access would be created on Mills Road.
Residents can find out more about the proposals using planning reference 25/00359/FUL.