‘Portsmouth Hosts Ground-breaking Retrofit Discussion’

Don’t Waste Buildings Comes to Portsmouth

In September, we were proud to host the Don’t Waste Buildings team here in Portsmouth as part of their Coastal Towns tour—welcoming a small but powerful group of built environment changemakers to explore how cities like ours can lead the way in reuse over demolition.

Group visiting Hotwall Studios in Old Portsmouth, former fortifications converted into cultural use

This wasn’t just about listed buildings. It was about any building with value—social, cultural, or environmental—that can be repurposed for community use, creativity, and resilience in a time of climate emergency.

The day included a walking tour and roundtable discussion led by the Sustainable Conservation Trust, joined by:

• Stephen Morgan MP, who generously offered his support and helped shape two new project initiatives for delivery in 2026, with community consultation at the heart.

• Hannah Parham FSA, Historic England

• Alfie Temple Stroud, Historic England

• Hannah Prowse, CEO of Portsmouth Heritage Quarter, who shared valuable strategic insights.

• Representatives from other architectural organisations, local creative practitioners, and SCT project collaborators.

We’re excited to now begin planning these outcomes in collaboration with Historic England and Stephen Morgan’s office—and will be engaging with local people and organisations throughout the process. Please contact us if you like to find out and get involved.

“How exciting to bring people together from across the heritage and building sectors and from local communities to look at how the virtuous circle of heritage and carbon conservation can work for thriving, historic places like Portsmouth! Thanks to Don’t Waste Buildings and the Sustainable Conservation Trust for making it happen. I'm looking forward to continuing the conversation.”— Alfie Temple Stroud, Historic England

At SCT, we believe we can't afford to waste buildings—or wait for others to act. Tackling the climate crisis means enabling everyone to be part of the solution. Thank you to all who took part and helped drive this work forward.

You can read more about this on Don’t Waste Building’s website on this following link https://www.dontwastebuildings.com/news/portsmouth-hosts-groundbreaking-retrofit-discussion/