Construction has begun on one of Portsmouth’s largest housing regeneration projects marking the start of an 835-home development that will reshape the city’s northern waterfront.
The Victory Quay scheme, led by housing association VIVID in partnership with Homes England and Portsmouth City Council, will deliver a mix of affordable and private homes across social rent, shared ownership, and market sale.
The development aims to address growing local housing demand while creating a new sustainable community linked to the city’s maritime heritage.
Located on former industrial land near the city’s northern gateway, Victory Quay is one of the most significant residential projects ever undertaken in Portsmouth. The plans include extensive public spaces, landscaped walkways, and environmental measures designed to protect local wildlife and enhance biodiversity.
BOOSTING HOUSING DELIVERY
The groundbreaking ceremony (main picture), attended by local leaders, MPs and community representatives, marked the formal start of construction. The project is expected to deliver its first homes by late 2026, with the full development to be completed in phases over several years.
The initiative reflects a broader national push to increase housing delivery, particularly in high-demand urban areas where affordability pressures remain acute.
In Portsmouth, where average house prices have risen by more than 30% over the past five years, Victory Quay is being viewed as a key element in meeting local housing targets while supporting the city’s economic growth.
SUSTAINABLE LIVING
VIVID, one of the south’s largest housing providers, has positioned the development as a benchmark for mixed-tenure, sustainable living.
The scheme will include energy-efficient building designs, improved transport links, and a focus on active travel, with walking and cycling routes connecting residents to the wider city.
At the ceremony, Mark Perry, Chief Executive of VIVID, said the project represented “a significant step forward” in tackling Portsmouth’s housing challenge and “creating a lively, inclusive waterfront community.”
Local MP Amanda Martin called the start of work on Victory Quay “a truly exciting moment” for Portsmouth North, adding that the new homes would provide “much-needed stability and opportunity for local families.”
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, described the project as “a landmark new community for our island city,” and praised the collaboration that had brought it to fruition.
Victory Quay’s environmental strategy includes measures to safeguard seasonal habitats and ensure that new green areas coexist with existing ecosystems along the waterfront.
When complete, the development will offer a combination of urban living and coastal connectivity — a new chapter for Portsmouth’s regeneration ambitions and a model for sustainable housing growth in the south of England.
