PHYSICAL REGENERATION NEWS: Towering ambitions

A 95-metre landmark tower is at the centre of plans to complete the regeneration of Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. Three applications were submitted last week by developer Berkeley to re-develop the former Ariadne and East Side Plaza to create new public space modelled on an Italian piazza. At East Side Plaza the Broadway Malyan-designed tower (see visualisation, above) would be connected to two interlinked buildings. More than 25 per cent of the proposed 483 residential units would be affordable, and the development would include six ground floor retail units. Earlier this year, the British Urban Regeneration Association awarded Gunwharf Quays its Best Practice Award (Regeneration & Renewal, 26 September, p2).