Ridge is working with Karakusevic Carson Architects (KCA), Portsmouth City Council and the local community to regenerate the site of two former residential towers in Somerstown through the creation of a high-quality and sustainable urban neighbourhood.

Ridge is managing the complex demolition of the 18-storey Horatia and Leamington Houses, two 1950s council blocks built with Large Panel Systems and deemed unsuitable for refurbishment. These block required specialist deconstruction to ensure safety.

Our multidisciplinary services for the demolition included Project and Cost Management, Employer’s Agent, Structural Engineering, Transport Planning, M&E/Utilities and Principal Designer roles. Ridge oversaw decommissioning, the surroundings, services, utilities and other elements, helping to manage challenges which included a telecoms mast, rooftop plant, site constraints, construction traffic planning, adjacent ownerships, substructures and communications infrastructure.

We are now working collaboratively with KCA, Portsmouth City Council and Arcadis to develop designs to regenerate the site in consultation with the local community, including the Horatia and Leamington House Community Panel. The scheme will rehome 272 displaced former tower households and will provide more than 450 high-quality residences in total.