1996: The City Council agreed to a pilot project of area co-ordination in Portsea, with the aim of getting agencies working together better and supporting residents to be effectively involved in planning for the area. It was agreed the Head of Housing Service, Jeff Wellings, would lead this pilot project, partly because 76% of housing was in Local Authority ownership.
1997: The City Council appointed a part-time co-ordinator, Hazel Hine. Audit and research were started, and an Agency Steering Group was formed. Agency theme groups were set up e.g. community health, safety, arts, employment and training.
1998: Residents led 'Planning for Real' events with the help of a community development consultant. An action plan was produced and the redevelopment of John Pounds site (with a new Medical Centre was identified as a key project).
www.petecodling.co.uk
1999: Residents formed Portsea Action Group 99, to oversee the implementation of their Action Plan. PAG 99 achieved company status and has played a major role on behalf of the residents since its formation.
2000: Workshops were held and a 'wish-list' of facilities was produced after visiting similar sites, exploring design preferences and discussing environmental issues. Residents decided that the Medical Centre should be the first phase of the redevelopment. The Portsea SRB Board was set up during this period.
2001: Outline Planning Permission was granted for the whole scheme. A successful grant application was made to the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) for money to build the new Medical Centre, on the basis that rent would contribute to the future running of the community facilities.
2002: Full-time Project Leader, Hazel Hine was appointed. Project Managers (Capita) were appointed by a partnership group that included residents, to conduct a reappraisal of the scheme. Revised layout and funding opportunities agreed by key stakeholders and City Council. Business Plan developed with the help of consultants. Full Planning approval granted for the community facilities. Grant applications submitted to SRB5 and Sport England.
2003: John Pounds Community Trust set up to manage the community facilities once built. Community Business Advisor, Liz Taylor was appointed to support the Trust and develop activities and facilities. Phase One, Medical Centre, completed and opened by Secretary of State for Health, Rt. Honourable John Reid MP and local GP Dr L Macconnell a retired doctor who worked in Portsea for many years. SRB5 grant awarded for Phase Two. Detailed designs and tendering process completed by Capita. Contractor (Fitzpatrick Contractors Ltd) appointed for construction.
2004: Sport England application re-submitted to Active England Fund. Grant award made. Start of construction work on the community facility. Community event held to mark this occasion. Artists Peter Codling and Jeannie Driver appointed to work with residents on Public Art development.
2004: "Topping Out Ceremony" was held to celebrate the roof going on the building on 3rd November 2004.
2004: Start of work ceremony.
2005: Centre Director, Matt Mason, appointed by the John Pounds Community Trust took up post 1st February
2005. Further staff appointments made August 2005.
2005: John Pounds Community Trust due to take on management of new facility Autumn 2005.
2005: Developer appointed for new housing development.
2006: Official Opening of John Pounds Centre by local residents and the great great great grand nephew of John Pounds.
2006: Demolition of housing sites started September. Construction started on Youth Club site.
2006/07: Phase Three - New Housing and Retail Units
Schemes have been approved for the construction of flats on the Queen Street and Kent Street parts of the John Pounds Site and on the youth club site in Beck Street. Some of the flats being built will be available as "affordable" rented accommodation and for "shared ownership" (which is a scheme that helps local people on to the property ladder). You can find out more information about these schemes by clicking on the link below.
National and Regional Recognition for the John Pounds Redevelopment Programme
John Pounds Centre was awarded the winner in the category of Community Benefit in the RICS Awards 2006 - South East
John Pounds Redevelopment won the Regional RTPI Planning Awards 2006 in the category of Community Planning.
John Pounds Redevelopment was the Overall Winner of the South East Regional Planning Awards 2006.
http://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/living/3533.html
Scroll to the bottom of the link page and click that you have read the notes and agree to the terms. This takes you to another page where you can put in the application number, then click search.
A*21271/AA - Former Delaval house, Queen Street
A*19379/AC - Former John Pounds Centre, St Jame's Street
A*14491/AB - Portsea Youth Centre Site, Lion Terrace
Information supplied by Hazel Hine, Corporate Initiatives Manager, Portsmouth City Council and her team. Tel: 023 9283 4670 or email housing.corp.initiatives@portsmouthcc.gov.uk