Portsmouth Hosts Groundbreaking Retrofit Discussion
Portsmouth became the latest city to join the national conversation on sustainable building reuse as stakeholders from across the built environment gathered on 4 July for a tour and roundtable hosted by Don’t Waste Buildings.
The meeting was organised and made possible by the Sustainable Conservation Trust who have not only advocated and campaigned for the re-use of Portsmouth historic buildings, but they have also shown by example how reuse is a major asset to Portsmouth. Their own headquarters is home to a thriving creative community, and their work has enabled buildings that would otherwise be derelict to become an attractive place for unique cultural experiences.
The event brought together architects, developers, heritage professionals, educators, community members, and a government minister to address the urgent need for reform in planning policy, VAT, and education to make reuse the default position for developers, not the exception.
The meeting highlighted how current tax and planning systems disincentivise the reuse of existing buildings—despite their environmental and cultural value—and focused on practical solutions to unlock reuse at scale.
Key Issues Discussed:
VAT Reform: Current VAT rules penalise reuse projects with a 20% tax while exempting new builds. Participants proposed trial exemptions, zoning-based relief, and charitable carve-outs to shift the financial incentives.
Planning and Policy Barriers: Calls were made for a presumption in favour of reuse in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and to close loopholes that allow demolition without permission.
Skills and Education: With traditional trades and retrofit skills in high demand, the group explored how institutions like City of Portsmouth College could lead hands-on training using real buildings as teaching environments.
Heritage and Community: Attendees highlighted the number of underused historic buildings in Portsmouth and proposed a community-led Buildings at Risk Register and creative reuse partnerships, especially with local artists.
Funding Gaps: There was broad concern over limited retrofit funding, especially for SMEs, and a call for simplified grant processes to unlock smaller projects.
Circular Economy: The group also tackled the barriers to material reuse, including lack of storage, insurance issues, and overly rigid industry standards.
Stephen Morgan MP for Portsmouth South and also Minister for Early Education agreed that there was merit in exploring:
Exploring VAT and planning reform
Sharing carbon data to support reuse policy
Skills development via retrofit projects
Backing for a potential centenary event in Portsmouth
Building links between local colleges and government departments
Leanne Tritton, Co-Founder of Don’t Waste Buildings, said: "Portsmouth has shown real appetite for change. The ideas shared here—on skills, policy, and community involvement—point to a powerful local movement that can help shape national reform."
Deniz Beck, Founder of the Sustainable Conservation Trust said: “Through our work we have proven that re-use of buildings is essential for Portsmouth. It was a pleasure to lead the tour of the many buildings that are exemplar case studies of creative and community use in our city.”
The meeting is part of a growing series of regional discussions designed to build grassroots momentum for policy change and inspire practical retrofit action across the UK.
For more information, visit: www.dontwastebuildings.com
ENDS
Media Contact: Please contact Don’t Waste Buildings with any enquiries.
(Tour photos below, courtesy of Leanne Tritton, Scott Farrar, Deniz Beck and Sustainable Conservation Trust. Click images to enlarge.)
