£250m transformation of Southampton city centre gets go-ahead

Plans to redevelop Southampton's city centre at the cost of £250 million pounds and creating 1000 jobs have been approved.

It relates to plans to transform the former Bargate Shopping Centre and Leisure World site.

The council described the scheme as "crucial" and developers say it'll add more than 5 million pounds to the local economy. 

It comes as the proposals tabled by developer Tellon Capital were approved by city councillors last night.

They are proposing to create a "linear park" from The Bargate to Queensway to showcase the city's historic walls, which were previously hidden from view by the now-demolished shopping centre.

But the City of Southampton Society raised some concerns about the proposed walkway.

Group member Simon Reynier said:"Early design showed the walkway to the city walls enhanced by shops and restaurants. It was a destination in its own right. Now it is nearly a passage between the High Street and Queensway."

It's expected to create 115 jobs and contribute £5.5m to the local economy.

It comes as the original plans for the site included a total of 287 homes, a new hotel and 7,343 square metres of retail space. But the proposals were amended last year as developers said the pandemic changed people's habits.

Work could start as early as 2022 and is expected to be done in phases.