Some are already being redeveloped into housing, community facilities and office space - though some have been torpedoed - including the plans to relocate HMRC into the city centre, with the government unexpectedly pulling the plug on the scheme.
But many question marks also remain over a number of prime city sites where progress has either ground to a halt - or have been non-existent despite permission being given to bring sites back into use.
This comes at time when the government has ordered the city council to allow the construction of 899 homes per year between 2020-2040 - that’s 17,980 in total - meaning that the sites for housing have never been more important.
But it is not just about housing. It is about leisure and retail space - and measures which will bring about a much-needed regeneration to areas of our city which need a bit of TLC!
We take a whistle-stop tour across the city to look at 17 key sites across Portsmouth to see what the future (should) have in store for them:
9. Site of the Horatia and Leamington House tower blocks, Somerstown
Horatia and Leamington House tower blocks were both fully demolished in November 2022, but now there is a major city centre development that aims to add hundreds of new homes, commercial spaces, and public areas to the area. The project, called the Somers Orchard development, includes two main proposals that could significantly transform Somerstown - replacing Horatia House and Leamington House. Two plans have been submitted, including this one, which together form a 'masterplan' for the redevelopment which will result in the creation of more than 500 new homes and several green spaces across Somers Town. While the project is much-anticipated news on a timeline is still awaited. A city council spokesperson said: "The Somers Orchard redevelopment is currently in the pre-construction phase, with delivery strategies being developed. Until this is concluded, we are unable to confirm construction timelines, funding details, or potential delays." | Contributed Photo: Contributed
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10. Knight & Lee, Southsea
There is huge frustration with this site - as no-one seems to be able to given an update about its future. The Southsea department store closed its doors on July 13, 2019, after trading for more than 150 years. Since then, developers THAT Group secured planning permission in 2022 to redevelop the former John Lewis outlet on Palmerston Road. The plans, initially approved by the council in 2019, had to be reconsidered due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The current proposal includes a 43-bedroom hotel, two cinemas, office spaces, a gym, retail establishments, food and drink bars, and an indoor food market. However, since planning permission was granted, there has been visibly little progress on the site. This has been made all the more frustrating by the fact the works to transform the old Debenhams site on the opposite side of the precinct are going great guns! | That Group Photo: That Group
11. Eden at Gunwharf Quays
The once popular night club venue closed without warning in 2023. Now the space, which was also once Tiger Tiger, is set to be repurposed. It will be divided into three units for food and drink operators, with the final layout depending on tenant requirements. We await progress on this project with interest! Picture: Chris Moorhouse (040720-06) | Chris Moorhouse
12. Playland Amusements in the city centre
The empty city centre amusement arcade Playland is being transformed into a vibrant community venue for young people. The initiative, led by Portsmouth Creates in partnership with national youth arts charity Artswork, will see Portsmouth Creates relocate to the space with a mission to build and manage a new creative talent and help them reach their full potential Photo: Joe Buncle