The project has advanced through the Government’s housing PFI round 6 and been allocated £112m in credits.

The council is seeking to consult with major contractors who have proven experience in delivering large housing PFI schemes.

Interested firms will be invited to 90-minute individual consultation sessions with key members of the project team at Portsmouth’s council offices from 18-20th August.

Phase two of the plan to transform Somerstown will see 500 eco homes built, with work hoped to start before 2014.

Work is expected to start on phase one of the scheme later this year. The council plans to invest £20m building a new community hub (pictured above) over the next two years.

The initial phase also includes building 29 homes.