London Clancy news article Southampton

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Southampton - the promised land

There are now around 14 major commercial development sites in Southampton and the City is enjoying a revival as a regional centre for business.

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:38:11 +0000

More than six of these schemes include significant new office developments, whilst at least three new hotels are also being planned. Some of these schemes have been in the pipeline for many years but, when completed, will bring high-quality office supply and hotels with state-of-the-art conference and meeting facilities to the City centre.

Southampton certainly has a lot to offer businesses, residents and visitors alike. It is the largest City in the South East region, with a population of 221,200. About 4.4 million people live within the one hour travel time catchment area.

The City has all the facilities you would expect of a leading commercial centre, including a modern airport with flights to over 46 destinations. It has a world-famous port and excellent road (M3/M27) and rail links. It also has first-class facilities for culture, education, health, leisure and retail.

According to Southampton City Council, the City has "more significant city centre development opportunities than probably any other UK city and can be matched by few in Europe."

Construction has started on the new headquarters for Carnival UK, which owns Cunard and P&O. The five-storey HQ is being built on the western area of the five-hectare West Quay Phase 3 site. Development Securities is working in partnership with Southampton City Council and Miller UK to deliver the prestigious project. There are plans to build another phase later, to provide office space, homes, a hotel and retail units.

Chris Ridge says, "The decision by Carnival to locate its HQ in Southampton is a real coup for the City, which may act as a catalyst for other businesses to follow. Most of the large office moves in recent years have been local businesses relocating within the City rather than relocations from outside the region."

There is a great deal of potential locked up in a dozen or so development opportunities. Interestingly, many are mixed-use schemes incorporating residential, hotels and offices, which may mean they get built earlier than otherwise would be the case.

For offices, much will depend on the strength of the market over the coming year, particularly as there are still significant office vacancies at Charlotte Place and now the Skandia building in Commercial Road is available too.

"It is rumoured that Terrace Hill, developers of the high-profile site Mayflower Plaza, will be moving forward with their planning application in the new year."

For further information please contact: James Clay

Tel: 01256 462222