A seaside city in the UK is set for a huge £53m regeneration project. The City Centre North transformation will see hundreds of homes built, the creation of a community space, cafés, shops, transport hubs and a public park.

The development focuses on the northern side of Portsmouth, on the south coast of England. The tired area will be transformed into a thriving neighbourhood packed with homes, open spaces and lively dining spots. Portsmouth City Council has bought underused plots, including the old Tricorn and Sainsbury's sites, to bring life back to the area.

According to The Sun, the plan includes a new green space linking St Agatha's Church and All Saints' Church. It will offer safe pedestrian routes and areas for people to relax.

The first phase of the development involves the building of two large buildings with 550 new homes. Around 30% of these will be made affordable to help ease Portsmouth's housing pressures.

There will also be a new community space, as well as new landscaping and a public park. The development also promises up to 1,800 more homes, around 10,000sq/m of non-residential space, and more than 22,000sq/m of parks in the future.

These areas will feature cafés, shops, transport hubs and areas for cultural activities. As well as benefitting locals, these welcome additions will help to boast tourism in the city.

Local residents, business and community groups are being invited to have their say on the plans. Meanwhile, Portsmouth City Council said the development is flexible by design and will be shaped around what locals want to see.

Portsmouth was recently named the UK's "most underrated" spot for a short break. Travel writer Peter Naldrett, who has visited all 76 cities across the UK, said: "Portsmouth isn’t just a gateway to France or the Isle of Wight. With its museums, family-friendly attractions and coastal charm, it’s a gem in its own right."

Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard is home to 11 iconic attractions including the HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum. Meanwhile, the 170-metre-high Spinnaker Tower has been compared to Dubai's famous towers and stands as a symbol of Portsmouth's ambition.

Visitors have also taken to TripAdvisor to leave positive reviews of Portsmouth. One said: "Nice place to explore, good for a walk. Quite away from the main parts of spice Island, but can have a nice walk around the area and coast side. Nice place to visit when in the area, especially when the sun is setting." 

A second wrote: "Its definitely open countryside and by the sea. A coastal path that is a refreshing walk open to all the elements so come prepared."