Vistry Group has agreed a deal to enable the delivery of a fully affordable 58-home development at the former St James’ Hospital site in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Vistry has completed the simultaneous land acquisition of the site from Homes England and the forward sale of 58 homes to housing association Abri.
Through Abri’s strategic partnership with Homes England, grant funding is being combined with the housing provider’s own investment to ensure all homes are affordable.
The development will feature a mix of fully electric two- to four-bedroom homes equipped with EV charging points. Most of the homes will be constructed using timber frames built in Vistry’s off-site manufacturing facility.
Trevor Wicks, managing director for Vistry Southern, said: “This deal exemplifies the strength of our partnerships model and our commitment to delivering high quality, affordable homes across the South. By building on our existing longstanding relationships with Abri and Homes England, we’re proud to bring forward a development that will provide 100% affordable housing and long-term value for the local community.”
Sam Stone, director of land and planning at Abri, added: “We’re proud to be working with Vistry and Homes England to bring forward this fully affordable development in Portsmouth. This represents another important step towards Abri’s ambition to continue investing in more much-needed and high quality homes, a goal we plan to make bolder strides towards in our new 2026–2031 corporate strategy. By delivering these homes, we’re helping to create sustainable communities where people can thrive.”
Simon Dougall, head of disposals at Homes England, said: “This development on the former site of the St James’ hospital in Portsmouth is an excellent example of how collaboration between the public and private sector can deliver the affordable homes that communities need. By working closely with Vistry and Abri, we’re helping to bring forward 58 quality homes in Portsmouth that will provide lasting benefits for local families.”
