Ground-breaking ceremony marks major development in the University of Portsmouth Estate Masterplan

A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place to mark the start of construction on the Eldon multi-storey car park at the University of Portsmouth, a project supporting the next phase of development across the city-centre campus.

The scheme forms part of the University’s long-term Estate Masterplan, which will see £250 million invested in refurbishing existing buildings and delivering new, state-of-the-art facilities supporting teaching, learning and the overall student experience. 

The new car park will replace the existing surface-level Eldon car park on Bedford St with a modern, five-storey car parking facility providing more than 200 parking spaces, including accessible bays and EV charging. By consolidating parking, the project will aim to reduce congestion in the city by reducing the need for staff and visitors to visit multiple sites when searching for parking.  

Completion of the car park is scheduled for summer 2027. Once complete, the car park will be open to the public during evenings and weekends, supporting wider city centre parking capacity. The facility will also include electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and rooftop solar panels, reinforcing the University’s commitment to sustainability.

Speaking at the ceremony, Professor Graham Galbraith, Vice-Chancellor, said: “This project supports our wider Estate Masterplan, where we will create a progressive, sustainable and environmentally responsible, future-facing estate. This will enable us to make more effective and efficient use of our campus and improve the day-to-day experience for our staff, students and visitors.”

The Estate Masterplan is delivering improvements across the campus. Alongside the new car park, work is also underway on a new Cycle Hub on St Michael’s Road, which will provide secure parking for more than 300 bicycles, with showers and locker facilities for staff and students.

Meanwhile, the University’s Wiltshire Building on Hampshire Terrace is being restored to create a new home for front-of-house Student Services, offering more accessible support for students throughout their studies.

Work is also due to start soon on the new Student Hub, located between the Students’ Union Building and the University Library on Cambridge Road. The Student Hub will connect the Students’ Union and the Library, while bringing together the Students’ Union and student wellbeing services in a central, welcoming space fit for the future.