Massive New Community Hub For Portsmouth

Exciting proposals for a landmark community building spanning a dual carriageway in Somerstown have been given the go ahead.

Blueprints for the state-of-the-art Somerstown community hub were approved by Portsmouth City Council's planning committee yesterday afternoon and work will start on the iconic structure next summer.

Maria Cole, a resident of Edgbaston House, in Sedgley Close, Somerstown, next to the development site, said she was delighted the plans had been given the thumbs up.

"I think it's amazing news," Maria said.

"The people of Somerstown have been waiting so long for something like this to happen and now we can see that something is being done to improve the area for local residents.

"People here are so pleased."

The building, which is part of the first phase of the Somerstown regeneration project, will include a community centre, health centre, youth centre and area housing office to replace ageing facilities in Somerstown.

It is expected to be completed by December 2013.

Cllr Steven Wylie, cabinet member for Housing, said: "This is a massive boost in our bid to transform Somerstown for local people.

"The residents of Somerstown deserve top class facilities and this will be a building that they can be very proud of. It will make a real difference to the lives of people living in Somerstown."

The first phase of the Somerstown regeneration project also includes: an adventure playground, opened in July 2010; 29 quality family homes, seven of which were opened last month; retail units; an extension to Tipton House, in Warwick Crescent, which was completed last week; and a buggy store at Edgbaston House, which will be completed early next year.