Boat show given permission to expand in Southampton
The additional space will feature food and exhibitor stands as well as benches and deckchairs
Last updated 24th Jun 2021
Plans to expand Southampton International Boat Show have been given the green light.
From this year the area used for the show will include Western Esplanade and the sites outside West Quay and Leonardo Royal Hotel.
It comes as British Marine – organiser of the show – has been granted permission to expand the event.
The decision was taken by the licensing sub-committee at Southampton City Council this afternoon.
Speaking at the meeting, Lesley Robinson, CEO of British Marine, said the expansion of the site allows organisers to make the show “more accessible”.
She told the sub-committee that in 2019 the event resulted in a £31m boost to the local economy.
Ms Robinson added: “We anticipate this proposed extension will support the local economy further. We are also planning a special community day for local residents as well. We believe the show will play a really important part in getting Southampton moving again.”
She pledged to continue to consult and work with local residents to minimise “any impact on the quality of life”.
It comes at the meeting a resident raised concerns over the impact of the event on noise and local people.
Organisers told councillors that no complaints were made about nuisance in the past and that the authorities consulted raised no objections.
Cllr Graham Galton, chairman of the sub-committee, said councillors “carefully” considered the plans and the objections made and noted that neither the police nor other authorities raised concerns.
Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry, leader of Southampton City Council, described the news as “excellent”.
He said the council will continue to work with British Marine to address any concerns raised.
Cllr Fitzhenry added: “We are working closely with British Marine and the government to help ensure a safe and successful show this year and open up a greater community involvement in the show to benefit even more of our residents and help get Southampton moving.”
This year’s event is expected to be held between September 10 and 19.
It comes as last year’s show was cancelled the night before its start due to a rise in Coronavirus cases.
As previously reported, there are also plans for the show’s first ever community day aimed at connecting residents with the marine community.