HMP Kingston was built in a district of Portsmouth City and the Victorian radial-designed prison was opened in 1877. The Prison has been used for multi-purposes in its years from housing Category B & C adults, male inmates, a boy’s borstal and Police Station during WW2.

The prison was well known for housing some famous inmates, but one celebrity inmate was “Leslie Grantham (AKA) Dirty Den from EastEnders”

In April 2003 HM chief inspector of prisons deemed the prison as providing unacceptable conditions for its inmates with lack of natural light, poor ventilation and lack of privacy. 10th January 2013 the announcement of the closure would happen within the next few months.

The Secretary of State then disposed of the site and City & Country purchased the site as a whole. Work started on a planning application for the conversion of Grade II Listed Building & the redevelopment of the remaining area with a total of 267 dwellings. Planning permission was granted and Vivid Homes purchased the New Build Section & the Conversion of the Grade II Listed Prison was acquired for St. Cross Homes.