£3.5m boost planned for Portsmouth landmarks and public spaces
Nearly £3.5m could be invested in Portsmouth’s community buildings, landmarks and public spaces ahead of the council shake-up, to ensure the money is spent in the city rather than diverted elsewhere in the county.
The plans are being put forward by Portsmouth City Council as part of its annual budget, which will be voted on in February.
Council leaders say the investment is important due to Local Government Reorganisation, which could see Portsmouth merged with Havant, Fareham and Gosport under a new larger council.
Councillors have raised concerns that this could leave Portsmouth helping to cover Hampshire County Council’s serious financial problems, including a projected budget gap of £143m in 2026/27.
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the council, said: “This could be one of our last budgets before Local Government Reorganisation establishes a new council covering a much larger area than Portsmouth.
“That council is likely to inherit a very challenging financial situation from Hampshire County Council, so we want to make sure that money is invested in things that are important to Portsmouth residents while we still can.
“Our capital budget plans are aimed at making sure we keep the things Portsmouth communities rely on and take pride in, and they are in the best possible condition as a future council may not have the money available, nor the same Portsmouth-centric focus to invest in them.”
The proposals are part of the council’s capital budget, which is used for large one-off projects and essential improvements – it cannot be used for everyday council services.
Planned funding includes £1.58m for Spinnaker Tower, £311,000 for the D-Day Story and £260,000 for Cumberland House Museum.
The Kings Theatre regeneration scheme is allocated £300,000, while £240,000 is earmarked for the Somerstown Hub.
Enterprise centres supporting hundreds of local businesses would receive £145,000.
Public spaces are also included, with £150,000 planned for Southsea Rose Gardens, £88,000 for the Guildhall Cenotaph and £300,000 for play equipment replacement across the city.
Adventure playground equipment would receive £12,500.
The council’s Cabinet will discuss the proposals on 2 February. If agreed, the final decision will be made by the full council on 24 February.