Northern quarter development
The £350 million plan to turn the Northern Quarter into a shopping haven is underway, thanks to the government allowing part of Edinburgh Road and Commercial Road to be become a pedestrian zone.
The exciting regeneration project, in which London-based Centros Miller is involved, features two brand new anchor stores, John Lewis and Marks and Spencers, and around 80 shops, cafes and restaurants. The area will cement Portsmouth’s reputation as a first-class shopping destination and will also include a luxury 4-star hotel, well-situated apartments and sorely needed parking spaces. Another part of the redevelopment plan involves updating the road around area and hopefully reducing congestion, which is good news for residents and shoppers alike.
It is hoped that the Northern Quarter will become an anchoring site in the city centre and, when partnered with the new-look Commercial Road, it will bring excitement and interest back into the heart of the city. It’s also expected that other shops will be encouraged to move to the area. Construction should begin early 2008 with the estimated finishing date as late 2010.