Demolition work to begin at Leisure World site in Southampton
The area was earmarked for a redevelopment including 650 homes and two hotels
Last updated 2nd May 2024
Demolition work is set to begin on a disused cinema complex in Southampton earmarked for a £250m redevelopment.
Developer Sovereign Centros secured outline planning permission for the huge scheme on the Leisure World site three years ago.
The project includes 650 homes and two 150-room hotels, as well as a cinema, casino and leisure spaces.
The Odeon cinema, which closed in February 2022, was the final surviving part of the core Leisure World building.
It had been home to a sports bar, nightclubs and restaurants over the years.
Southampton City Council planning officers have now given Associated British Ports (ABP) the green light to flatten most of the complex and the derelict Quayside pub off West Quay Road.
An ABP Spokesperson told the LDRS: "The Leisure World site has been closed for some time.
"We have recently received permission to demolish some of the buildings on the Leisure World site.
"The early demolition works will start this month and continue until the end of June.
"ABP is working with the city council and other stakeholders on the long-term vision for the city’s waterfront.
"Whilst working on these long-term plans, we have applied to the city council to utilise the site for car parking in the short term to support Southampton’s leading position in the cruise industry.
"The Grosvenor Casino on the Leisure World site will continue to operate."
ABP previously said the plans for the redevelopment of the council-owned site had "stalled".
Sovereign Centros secured a two-year permission to use the existing parking area for parking linked to the port, but this is due to expire on January 1, 2025.
An application from ABP to use all of the land for vehicle storage and parking for up to five years following the demolition work is still being considered by the local authority.
Southampton City Council’s website says the regeneration of the Leisure World site will provide “much-needed new homes alongside business space, hotel accommodation and leisure and wellbeing uses.
It adds that it will create a "24-hour community fit for 21st century living that inspires pride in Southampton’s people, as a place to live and as a destination".
The development would create 1,000 jobs in the city, the local authority says.