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

A refreshed vision for one of Portsmouth’s most prominent derelict sites has been revealed, outlining a significant redevelopment aimed at transforming the former Debenhams building into a modern mixed-use neighbourhood.

The updated designs follow extensive discussions with Portsmouth City Council’s planning and design teams, as well as community feedback gathered since the original application was lodged in March last year.

At the heart of the scheme is a new public realm, complete with landscaped green space, creating a pedestrian-friendly link between Arundel Street and Station Street. Both routes would benefit from new street elevations, opening the way for fresh retail frontages and improved connectivity across the city centre.

The proposal sets out three landmark buildings rising to 29, 20 and 19 storeys, delivering a combined 724 homes. These include 366 apartments across two blocks and a further 358 co-living units aimed at young professionals seeking high-quality accommodation in the heart of the city. Alongside housing, the plans feature 975 square metres of retail and commercial floorspace, plus new civic and community-focused areas.

Site owners say they are working with developers to establish a delivery timetable, with construction potentially beginning as early as 2026. They describe the scheme as a vital investment intended to revitalise Portsmouth’s retail core, create much-needed housing and support the wider regeneration of the surrounding area.

A key focus of the project is attracting and retaining young workers trained locally, including those linked to Portsmouth’s NHS services, the University, and the Ministry of Defence, who often move away due to limited housing choices. Developers argue that the introduction of new homes and co-living options will help keep skilled talent in the city, while boosting footfall and local spending.

Debenhams closed its doors in March 2020 amid national shifts in the retail landscape and the onset of the first Covid-19 lockdown. Since then, the vacant building and its car park have remained unused, becoming a visible reminder of the challenges facing high streets across the UK.

Those behind the project believe the site offers a rare opportunity to spark major city-centre regeneration and deliver a long-awaited revival of this key gateway into Portsmouth. Their vision replaces an earlier proposal that included a 35-storey skyscraper, three further residential blocks and more than 3,200 square metres of retail space.

If approved, the new 29-storey building would still claim the title of Portsmouth’s tallest structure, surpassing the 26-storey “Lipstick Tower” at Gunwharf Quays and reshaping the city’s skyline for the next generation.