The thumbs-up has been given for the transformation of the former Kingston Prison, Portsmouth into housing, to a design by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios with a landscape strategy by Grant Associates.
The Victorian prison is a classic panopticon design, with cell blocks radiating from a central rotunda. New low-rise housing will also be added to the site.
Grant Associates’ landscape concept treats the grounds as a shared space with easy pedestrian navigation.
Enclosed courtyard gardens that reside next to the former prison building respond to its circular plan, while rain gardens around the perimeter of the central garden square support drainage and create new wildlife habitats. Extensive tree planting will set up and frame new vistas through the site.
John Dawkins, associate at Grant Associates, said: “The landscape strategy is a key aspect to transforming people’s perception of this former prison site, and creating a beautiful setting for residents’ homes.
“Guided by the concept of living in a garden, the strategy emphasises magnificent planting and horticultural excellence within a series of garden rooms, each with their own character. The different planting communities and groups will provide a rich and stimulating environment for residents and visitors to enjoy across the seasons.
“The planting design also will have a strong wildlife-friendly bias with species selected for their value to wildlife, either through food sources or habitat.”
For more information on the conversion, visit: https://grant-associates.uk.com/2946/kingston-prison-gets-green-light-housing-masterplan-grant-associates/
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