Site razed for student halls
11-storey block to be built
A FORMER Labour club in Portsmouth has been knocked down to make way for 123 new student homes.
The disused Labour party’s offices at Unity Hall, on the corner of Holbrook Road and Coburg Street in Landport, have now been demolished so work can begin to construct an 11-storey building.
Unity Hall has been out of use since 2012 and the new block is set to provide 123 flats for university students, as well as facilities such as bicycle storage, a gym and a courtyard.
Permission for the accommodation was granted at a Portsmouth City Council planning meeting in November 2018.
This was despite some councillors raising concerns about its position on the corner of a ‘busy’ roundabout.
It was granted conditional permission allowing a council officer to look into how a drop-off and pick-up spot could be implemented on the site to reduce traffic at the start and end of term.
But, speaking at that meeting, applicant Andrew Whiteley, said: ‘This development will provide high quality, purpose-built student accommodation for those studying in Portsmouth.
‘The development supports the key policies for Portsmouth and, crucially, will comprehensively regenerate a site that is currently under-utilised whilst funding the delivery of purpose-built accommodation within the city.’
A councillor for Charles Dickens ward, where the block will be built, said it was a ‘shame’ to see the hall demolished.
Cllr Claire Udy said: ‘It’s a shame to see a bit of history taken down. It was a great social club and there are only a few still around.
‘It was a hub for communities to celebrate or spend the evening – a place which really doesn’t exist any more.
‘I have reservations on whether student accommodation is needed when we need good social housing and to resurrect these community hubs again.’
Previously, concerns were raised by nearby residents about the state of Unity Hall when four fire crews were called to a blaze at the site in February this year.
The fire was put out within 40 minutes.
The block will be built on the corner of the roundabout, opposite the Asda supermarket.
The developer was approached for comment about the intended construction.