Green light for major new developments in Southampton

Key elements of the ambitious redevelopment proposals for Southampton's Woolston Riverside area have been given planning permission by the city council.

More than 1600 new homes and a major new yacht-manufacturing complex are involved.

Both projects approved by the council's planning panel are for schemes proposed for the former Vosper Thornycroft shipyard site, owned by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA).

The first application by Crest Nicholson Regeneration was for part outline and part full planning permission for a development known as Centenary Quay. This scheme includes plans for more than 1,600 homes, a hotel, offices, a supermarket, library, health centre and three waterfront apartment towers. A feature of the development is a new public plaza.

The second application, from US-based boat-builder Palmer Johnson, is for a facility designed for the manufacture of yachts up to 100 metres long, which would be the largest leisure crafts of their kind to be built in the UK.

The scheme is seen as helping kick-start plans for a major new marine employment quarter for the maritime city.

Councillor Royston Smith, cabinet member for economic development, said: "The council has always held a shared vision with SEEDA to see Woolston Riverside regenerated and revitalised ... the city has just taken a giant leap towards a new era of economic growth."

Read the Southampton City Council press release

Roger Milne

21 August 2008