Centenary of council housing celebrated in Portsmouth

Last updated: 25 October 2012 08:43

Special housing plaque is unveiled

A special plaque has been unveiled in Portsmouth today as part of the celebrations to mark one hundred years of council housing in the city.

The plaque has been placed next to the original commemorative stone on the first council houses built in Portsmouth – on Curzon Howe Road, Portsea – which was placed on one of the homes when they were finished in October 1912.

When they were built in 1912, the spacious houses on Curzon Howe Road replaced slum dwellings on the former site of White’s Row.

Other celebrations today (Wednesday, 24 October) include fireworks and a special presentation at the Groundlings Theatre in Portsea. After the ceremony visitors have also enjoyed free refreshments, tours of the historic theatre, and exhibits, where residents can share their memories and find out more about local history.

At 7pm, Portsea’s skies will be lit up as guests are treated to a fireworks display, followed by a theatrical production of 100 years in 100 minutes at the Groundlings Theatre.

Councillor Steven Wylie, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "It was great to celebrate council homes in the city. These homes have been standing for one hundred years, and hopefully will be here for another hundred."

Councillor Jacqui Hancock, ward councillor for Portsea and who had the honour of unveiling the plaque, said: "It’s important we continue to build homes for Portsmouth families who need them, and fantastic that we celebrated 100 years today."

Date : 25 October 2012