That’s a lofty ambition! Portsmouth’s plans to rival New York skyline
ON a clear day, the cities of Portsmouth and New York both offer spectacular sea views.
But, as many will agree, this is where their similarities end.
However, undaunted by the glaring differences between the bustling metropolis of the Big Apple and the somewhat smaller port city on England’s south coast, council bosses in Portsmouth are now hoping to create a skyline to rival the high rises of Manhattan.
Council leader Donna Jones said she wants visitors to come off the motorway and marvel at a ‘New York- style skyline’. Planners are hoping to use some of the £500million earmarked for city regeneration to build a series of towers, including 2,500 flats and offices, to cope with the rising population.
Residents have accused the council of living in ‘cloud cuckoo land’ – and said the money should be used to improve health and police services. Writing on Twitter, Sean Fraser said: ‘Are the council smoking the crack pipe? Who dreams up this rubbish?’
New York, which has a population of 9million, is home to around 6,500 buildings 115ft or higher, including the 1,454ft Empire State Building and the 1,792ft One World Trade Center. By contrast, Portsmouth’s population is around 200,000, and the only landmark is the 560ft Spinnaker Tower.
Revealing the skyline plan, Mrs Jones said it ‘will provide a mix of aspiration and inspiration for all’.