Developers are being sought to transform a derelict site in Portsmouth as part of the first stage of a regeneration project which aims to bring more than 1,500 new homes and jobs to the city.

The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is seeking a development partner to build and market the first 80 new and affordable homes at its site in Tipner.

The marketing campaign to seek interest from prospective partners started on 15 June. It marks the most significant step yet for former PD Fuels site, which has stood largely derelict and underused since 2006 as plans for its long-term future have been developed.

It forms part of a wider scheme for the Tipner area, which aims to bring up to 1,600 new homes, employment space to support 1,500 jobs and improved transport links and motorway connections to the city. Work by Portsmouth City Council to create a new motorway interchange and park-and-ride is currently underway.

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The site has undergone an extensive clean-up over the last year, which has seen the HCA invest around £3m in preparing it for residential development. This work has been carried out by specialist construction company The Tamdown Group, who have worked closely with local residents to keep them informed about progress on the site over the last year.

Kevin Bourner, HCA head of area, said: "This first phase of development marks an incredibly important step for a project which stands to make a hugely positive contribution to the local community and wider economy over the long-term. It will set the standard and tone of the rest of the development and demonstrates to those who have backed the project for so long that progress is being made.

"This is a complex project, which has required a great deal of work to get to this stage. I am confident that prospective partners will see what a fantastic opportunity this represents to be part of an exciting scheme that has the potential to regenerate the area for future generations."

(CD/JP)