WELCOME TO THE CONSULTATION WEBSITE FOR
THE FUTURE OF THE PORTSWOOD CENTRE.
Fusion Group has submitted proposals for the redevelopment of the Portswood Centre. (Ref – 25/00687/FUL)
The plans involve introducing student accommodation on the upper floors with new shops and facilities on the ground floor, supported by extensive new landscaping along the Portswood Road.
WHO IS FUSION GROUP
Fusion Group is a family-owned business with a successful track record for delivering high-quality student accommodation. We build and operate successful student communities across the country through schemes that are thoughtfully designed, with living accommodation and amenity spaces to foster community and enhance the wellbeing of our student residents.
The connection that our schemes have with their host communities, both residents and businesses, is also important to us. In addition to bringing more activity to the high street and more customers close to local shops, we believe that our proposals will improve the look and feel of the high street. For example, our proposals involve pulling the built form further away from Portswood Road, improving the view of the former cinema building and creating a larger, landscaped area for pedestrians in front of the site.
We are really excited to share and discuss our proposals with you and strongly believe they will deliver significant benefits for the local community:
The development will introduce approximately 515 new high-quality student rooms, specifically designed to accommodate the diverse needs of students from both Southampton University and Southampton Solent University. These thoughtfully-designed living spaces will prioritise comfort and functionality, ensuring that students have the best possible environment for both study and relaxation.
Each room will be equipped with modern amenities, including spacious layouts and ample storage, creating an ideal living experience for students. Common areas within the residence will foster a sense of community, featuring communal kitchens, lounges and study spaces where students can collaborate and socialise.
The proposed development will feature additional public open space with extensive tree planting and landscaping designed to enhance biodiversity. The site will feature two distinctive courtyards integrated into the design, each offering social and relaxation space for students.
The ground floor will feature a variety of facilities designed to enhance the experience of both the local community and students. New retail spaces will be offered along Portswood Road, creating an inviting atmosphere that seamlessly integrates the development with the surrounding neighbourhood and improves the current offer in the town centre. Thoughtful landscaping will frame these ground floor spaces, enhancing their visibility and creating an attractive environment for pedestrians.
In addition to new shops, the ground floor will also include dedicated student amenity spaces. These areas will be designed to foster a sense of community for students and provide a safe, modern environment. These areas will feature comfortable seating, collaborative study zones and recreational facilities.
MATERIALS
We have taken into account the surrounding architecture both in the immediate vicinity of the site, but also the wider Portswood area. We have carried this across into our proposals so that the design complements the existing, local built environment with red brick and stone detailing.
PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS
PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS
We held two public exhibitions where local residents and businesses had the opportunity to see the designs, and ask questions.
At the time of the exhibitions, the proposals were in a pre-application stage and so were not yet finalised. The exhibitions were a chance for local residents and businesses to feed in their thought on the proposals at that early stage.
WHERE
October Books, 189 Portswood Rd, Portswood, Southampton, SO17 2NF
WHEN
Saturday 19th October, 11:30 – 15:00
Thursday 24th October, 17:30 – 20:30
You can download the exhibition boards we displayed at these events here:
GET IN TOUCH
GET IN TOUCH
If you’d like to share your views, would like to find out more, or just want to speak to a member of the team, please fill out the contact form below and a member of our team will get in touch.
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