Much of the property in the city centre is in private ownership, which means there is a big journey for us to go on to secure larger scale improvements in this area. However, we have been working on projects and collaborating with others to improve the environment, boost footfall and make it a more attractive place for retailers and other businesses.
Playland Creative Hub is a joint venture between national youth arts charity Artswork and Portsmouth Creates, a community interest company that works to make arts and culture accessible across the city.
The two organisations have transformed the former Playland Amusement Arcade at the top of Commercial Road into a two-storey space – Create at Playland and Playland – both designed to champion community engagement, drive creative business growth and youth empowerment in the heart of the city.
On the ground floor, Playland is a creative venue designed and run by young people who are supported by Artswork. It provides a safe environment where young people across the city can influence the development of the space, experiment with creative ideas, and shape their own future.
Upstairs, Create at Playland, run by Portsmouth Creates, provides workspaces for micro and small creative businesses. These businesses support the youth programmes downstairs by offering skills development, work experience and career pathways into the creative industries.
Portsmouth City Council was awarded funding by the UK Government to make minor improvements to the north of Commercial Road, in the space between Crasswell Street and Lake Road.
The improvements in this space aim to promote physical activity and recreation. Changes include new play equipment for children, seating, and cycle stands. The existing trees were kept and new beds planted underneath. Trees that were removed previously due to disease have also been replaced.
A large pavement graphic by local artist, Angela Chick, has been installed following a successful competition run in conjunction with the council’s Safer Streets team.
The team has also assisted in the sourcing and implementation of more CCTV in the area.
Victoria Park has been at the heart of Portsmouth for over 140 years. Created in 1878 after the old naval city walls were demolished, it turned farmland into a people’s park – an open green space for those living in cramped conditions in Landport and Portsea.
In December 2021, following extensive local engagement, we were awarded £2.4m of National Lottery Heritage Funding to restore the People’s Park. This has funded a a four-year project to rejuvenate this important community asset.
The revitalisation of Victoria Park has recently reached a major milestone with the launch of a new community hub, children’s play and other new facilities for people to enjoy.
