Southampton set to be transformed to boost economy post-coronavirus

Multi million pound plans to transform Southampton city centre and waterfront have been given the go ahead.

Homes and shops will be built at the Bargate while hotels, flats, restaurants, a casino and a cinema will transform the Leisure World site off West Quay Road.

It's hoped the work will create over a thousand jobs and help the city recover from the impact of coronavirus.

Giles Semper from Go Southampton, said: "The Bargate site is the most important redevelopment site to come forward in many years. GO! Southampton is very keen to see the revised Bargate Quarter scheme approved so that this vital and historic part of the city centre can finally be rejuvenated.

"Not only will the scheme help to revitalise the land immediately east of The Bargate but it will also provide a much-wider boost to the city centre economy by bringing extra people into the area to live, work, and shop. This can only be of benefit to adjoining businesses. It will also give the people of Southampton their walls back after a long period in which they have been inaccessible.

"It is now clear that the south-eastern part of the city centre is turning into a high-quality residential quarter - something that is likely to be consolidated as and when a scheme comes forward for the Debenham's site. For this reason we feel the new Mayflower Quarter should major on more employment-based uses."

Meanwhile, it's been confirmed Bedford Place will remain closed to traffic until the end of the summer to enable businesses to have outdoor seating from April the 12th.

It comes as the trial was first launched in August last year.

Civic chiefs have now confirmed the road closures will remain in place until the end of summer when a final decision on the scheme is expected to be taken.

Southampton City Council said the move will support businesses.

But some shop owners, who previously raised concerns, said the decision to expand the trial is “disappointing”.

As previously reported, a number of temporary road closures are in place along Bedford Place from Henstead Road to Carlton Place; along Carlton Place from Bedford Place to Southampton Street; and along Lower Banister Street from Carlton Place to opposite the Popworld establishment.

City leaders said the move aims to make Bedford Place a “unique destination”.

Giles Semper, executive director at Go Southampton, said: “It is especially welcome given that leisure and hospitality businesses can only offer outdoor dining when they reopen on April 12.”

But other shop owners said they fear for the future of their businesses.

Charlie Plant, owner of Charlie Plant hairdresser, said: “There’s a lot less passing trade here now because people can’t be bothered to get down here. Businesses are going to close and the council don’t care. They are going to make it permanent whether we like it or not.”

Angela Everett, owner of Trevor Mitchell hairdresser, added: “They are just making it more and more difficult to access the shops. It’s terrible. I am worried about surviving very much. Unless you know Southampton you don’t know how to access the far end of Bedford Place. We are all struggling. They should open it up initially so that people come back to Bedford Place just to give us a chance to survive.”

Both Ms Everett and Mr Plant called for alternatives including the reopening of Bedford Place or a one-way system.

The city council said it will be engaging with the local community in the coming months and will continue to welcome feedback.

In a statement the authority said: “We understand the trial pedestrianisation of the Bedford Place area has generated a range of views and that some concerns have been raised about the impact on business. We need to acknowledge the significant role that Covid-19 itself has had to play in contributing to this. As we look ahead to the summer we have an opportunity to trial the scheme with Bedford Place open over a longer period of time. We can then get a full understanding of how the measures work before reaching a final decision with consideration of a range of future options and next steps as proposed by the community.”

Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said: “Bedford Place businesses are an important part of our local economy and we are committed to supporting their recovery and to seeing Bedford Place become once again a vibrant, thriving area where people can meet and spend time safely.”