Fresh plans unveiled for major city-centre redevelopment to replace derelict Debenhams site

The updated plans follow ongoing talks with the council’s planning and design teams, as well as feedback from the original application submitted in March last year.

Plans include new public realm and green space linking Arundel Street with Station Street. Both roads will feature new elevations leading to new shops.

The proposals set out three new buildings rising to 29, 20 and 19 storeys, alongside 975 square metres of retail and commercial space. They also include new civic and public areas, plus a total of 724 homes – 366 apartments across two blocks, and 358 co-living units aimed at young professionals.

Site owners say they are working with developers on a timetable that could see building start from 2026. They describe the scheme as a significant investment aimed at boosting the city centre with new homes, retail space and co-living.

The project targets young workers trained in Portsmouth, including those linked to the NHS, the University and the Ministry of Defence, who often leave the city due to a lack of suitable housing. Developers say the scheme will also bring new life to the city centre by increasing local spending.

Debenhams closed in March 2020 following shifts in the retail sector and the first Covid lockdown. Since then, the building and car park have sat empty and become an eyesore.

Developers argue the site offers a major chance to kick-start city centre regeneration, attract fresh investment and deliver a mixed-use development of shops, commercial space, homes and communal areas.

The plans replace an earlier proposal that would have seen Portsmouth’s largest skyscraper built at 35 storeys, along with three additional apartment blocks and 3,292 square metres of retail space.

Under the new scheme, the 29-storey building would still become the tallest in the city if approved – overtaking the 26-storey ‘Lipstick Tower’ at Gunwharf Quays.