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Plans for the proposed commercial, retail and residential regeneration project of Leisure World in Southampton have been submitted for consideration by Southampton City Council, with a decision expected in early 2021. The outline planning application would be one of the city’s most significant retail and leisure regeneration projects in over two decades.
The digital consultation, necessitated by lockdown measures, was the first of its kind within the city. Southampton residents and the wider community were able to review the outline plans for the redevelopment project and provide feedback on the proposals from the comfort of their homes. Almost 2,500 people interacted with the consultation website, with 240 feedback forms completed, in addition to public webinars and virtual meetings with community and business organisations across the city.
The new proposals will deliver a modern mixed-use environment including 650 new homes, offices, two 150-room hotels, 80 serviced hotel apartments, relocated cinema, casino, and other leisure uses. The plans for the site, which sits within the Mayflower Quarter, will be centred around high-quality public realm, linking a new urban quarter with the wider city, whilst improving connectivity with the historic waterfront. It is expected that this new development will act as the catalyst for the regeneration of the Mayflower Quarter.
Feedback received throughout the public consultation has helped to shape the final outline proposals submitted to the Council, ensuring that the regeneration of the Leisure World site aligns with Southampton’s future vision for the city.
If approved, the scheme will be built across four phases, beginning in 2022.
Development manager Sovereign Centros is being advised by Montagu Evans, with the scheme designed by award-winning architects Corstorphine & Wright.
John Marsh, Director at Sovereign Centros, commented: “There has never been such an important time to bring forward regeneration proposals in our regional cities to ensure they can emerge in the strongest possible position post the pandemic crisis. We fully understand the importance of the Leisure World site to the city, its waterfront, and its people. Our proposed development will bring significant investment to Southampton and will look to create a vibrant environment alongside the waterfront with a range of uses for everyone to enjoy.
“Whilst we are disappointed that we could not meet with anyone in person during our public consultation, we have been overwhelmed by the positive, engaged response from the community. The feedback that we have received has been invaluable as we have continued to develop our proposals for the site.”
Julian Stephenson, Partner at Montagu Evans, said: “These proposals are a major investment in the city – the first of three Mayflower Quarter sites to come forward and the most significant application in Southampton for a number of years. In making this less connected area part of the city once again, we are establishing a wide range of uses here, joining them together in a creative and flexible way, and providing a template for how major urban renewal projects in regional cities can be successfully brought forward.”
More information on the digital consultation can be found on the project website: Leisure World Southampton,