Proposals for the mixed-use development, at the site of the derelict Brunel House office building, include more than 500 student bedrooms, 312 private residential units and 940 square metres of ground floor retail space.
The developers consider that the project would be unviable if affordable housing was provided. No affordable housing provision, nor any financial contribution to affordable housing, is therefore proposed in the plans.
The Hard area of Portsmouth, between Portsmouth Historic Dockyard and Gunwharf Quays, has been targeted by Portsmouth City Council for redevelopment as a key gateway to the city and a transport interchange.
"This is a significant proposal for Portsmouth's famous waterfront, bringing investment and jobs", said David Ramsey of Vail Williams, advisers to Bouygues Development, according to a report in Planning Magazine.