Construction work to build 183 affordable homes on land around the Kingston Prison building is now underway, helping to address the large shortage of housing in Portsmouth.

VIVID is working in partnership with Drew Smith Ltd, part of the Vistry Group, to build the homes over the next 2 years, which will result in 110 homes for social rent and 73 available as shared ownership. This will consist of 5 apartment blocks of one and two-bedroom homes along with associated parking, landscaping and bike storage. A detailed travel plan is also being produced to encourage residents to use public transport, walk or cycle given the site’s close proximity to the city and excellent transport networks.

Mike Shepherd, Director of New Business and Development at VIVID, said: “Portsmouth is in urgent need of more affordable housing so we’re pleased to be delivering this exciting new development. It will create a vibrant new community in an area so close to the city and all its transport links, amenities and employment opportunities.

“We want to reassure local residents that all works will be carried out following COVID-secure guidelines, in accordance with the latest government advice. At a time when there’s increasing uncertainty for many people around job security due to the pandemic, we’re highly committed to using local labour and bringing employment opportunities as part of the construction as much as possible.”

Adrian Cator, Managing Director at Drew Smith said: “We are delighted to be working with our trusted housing delivery partner VIVID on this exciting project in Portsmouth which will see the provision of vital affordable homes for the area. We have been undertaking site set up activity and carrying out initial preparatory works to ensure the site is ready for building work to begin. The safety and wellbeing of our staff, subcontractors and local residents is our absolute priority in and around the construction site at all times.”

The prison building itself is owned by City & Country and will be developed separately by them in the future.

VIVID secured £10m of Homes England grant funding to build the 183 affordable homes. Details of the development can be found at www.vividhomes.co.uk/about-us/more-homes/developments.