Work on the £130 million project to regenerate Tipner, Portsmouth, by bringing new homes, jobs and green space to the area is due to begin within weeks.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) has agreed a £3m contract to begin the clean-up of the land it owns, along with some owned by Portsmouth City Council, as the first phase of this important scheme. Contractors will begin working on the PD Fuels site off Twyford Avenue as part of its work to clear the area and prepare three other plots for development.

This supports the delivery of 80 much needed new and affordable homes and new retail space on the site. It forms part of wider plans to deliver up to 1,600 new homes, employment space to support 1,500 new jobs, a new park and ride facility, hotel and an improved motorway junction as a new gateway to the city.

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Residents living near the site have been informed of the work and steps are being taken to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum. Some information events are to be held in the area before work starts to give residents the chance to find out more about project and share their views with those working on the project.

Kevin Bourner, HCA head of area, said: "This work signals a significant step towards creating a better Tipner that will benefit the whole of Portsmouth by providing new homes, employment opportunities and economic growth for the area. Our contractors are busy getting ready to start work and will be working closely with us and the local community to ensure that the project progresses smoothly and local people begin to see the benefits of this vital project."

The onsite work will be carried out by specialist construction company The Tamdown Group, who will be responsible for environmental monitoring and minimising the impact on neighbouring residents. The contract will be managed by consultancy CampbellReith, who advised the HCA on the project as planning permission to begin the work was granted last year.

(CD/GK)