Work on £132m project to restart soon - developers

The plans in the Bargate Quarter feature a boulevard and garden areas in the city's medieval walls

The company behind Southampton’s Bargate Quarter development says it hopes work can restart this summer.

Legal and General admit the £132m project has suffered delays after Henry construction went into administration last June.

The development will see more than 500 new apartments built along a linear park and will include the medieval town walls.

Legal and General said it was hoping to welcome the first residents in early 2026.

The proposal was originally given the go-ahead by city councillors in January 2017.

Councillor Sarah Bogle, cabinet member for economic development, said: “This is much needed residential capacity but what is so unique about these plans is the opening up of the North Walls which were hidden behind the old Bargate Centre.”

Developers hope work on the Bargate Quarter site can restart this summer

The Bargate Quarter is one of several developments in the city which have stalled in recent years.

Work has yet to begin on the Maritime Gateway project opposite the city’s central station – the former Toys R Us site.

The city council recently approved an extension and alteration to the lease for Packaged Living to try and encourage them to start site clearance.

Meanwhile demolition has started at the Leisure World site on West Quay Road.

The owner of the land, Associated British Ports (ABP), said it had stepped in and was “working alongside others on extensive long-term plans for the site” but in the meantime it would be used to support the cruise industry, as parking.

Outline planning for the site expired in July 2022.

Councillor Sarah Bogle said she felt "optimistic"

It comes as the city council has appointed a planning and economics consultancy, Prior and Partners, to help create a Southampton Renaissance Masterplan, in response to the challenges the city is facing as part of the unsettled economic climate.

Ms Bogle said: “Very simply, this is going to set out our vision for the city centre area and make sure developers work to that vision. We want to drive growth and prosperity, and it’s not just about buildings, it’s about connectivity, transport, improving lives, creating jobs."

According to the city council, some £200m in major developments are in or approaching planning, and over £500m of investment has been consented and is moving forward across the city centre.

Ms Bogle added: "We’ve been through some tough economic times but I now feel really optimistic and we have lots of interests in the sites we have, plus great partners we are working with like the universities, port and football club.”