11th Aug 2016
Kingston Prison gets green light for housing with masterplan by Grant Associates
A scheme to regenerate Portsmouth’s former Kingston Prison into 230 homes has won planning approval from the city’s council. Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios’ proposal for the iconic Victorian gaol will involve a combination of redevelopment and new build, and features a landscape masterplan by Grant Associates.
Built in 1877, Kingston Prison is a prime example of the ‘panopticon’ radial prison design that found favour in the late 19th century. The idea was that prisoners, housed in radiating cells, could be observed from a central rotunda.
Closed as a prison in 2013, the building’s cell wings, chapel and infirmary will be re-modelled for residential use, with new-build, low-rise apartment blocks located to the edges of the site. The former prison’s listed walls will be retained and its gatehouse redeveloped, incorporating a café.
The landscape vision for the scheme is a key part of its identity. Grant Associates’ design concept considers the landscape as primarily shared space, bringing residents together and assisting, where appropriate, pedestrian movement through the site.
The design team will now commence the post-planning stage for the scheme, which is owned by developer City & Country.
Built in 1877, Kingston Prison is a prime example of the ‘panopticon’ radial prison design that found favour in the late 19th century. The idea was that prisoners, housed in radiating cells, could be observed from a central rotunda.
Closed as a prison in 2013, the building’s cell wings, chapel and infirmary will be re-modelled for residential use, with new-build, low-rise apartment blocks located to the edges of the site. The former prison’s listed walls will be retained and its gatehouse redeveloped, incorporating a café.
The landscape vision for the scheme is a key part of its identity. Grant Associates’ design concept considers the landscape as primarily shared space, bringing residents together and assisting, where appropriate, pedestrian movement through the site.
The design team will now commence the post-planning stage for the scheme, which is owned by developer City & Country.