Southampton City Council grants £112m housing scheme
A former gasworks site that has been derelict for 10 years is set to become home to over 300 build-to-rent flats.
On Tuesday 4th June 2024, Southampton City Council approved plans to deliver 384 build-to-rent flats on a former gasworks site which is located next to St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton, Hampshire.
Originally concerns were raised about the lack of family or affordable housing, particularly by Simon Reynier, of City of Southampton Society, but the plans were approved regardless.
Against this backdrop, councillors at the meeting on Tuesday agreed to the planning application on the basis developers will provide an updated viability assessment to confirm affordable housing wasn’t suitable for the project and the completion of the legal agreement between the applicant and the local authority.
The development is set to be comprised of residential blocks ranging from eight to 17 storeys high, with commercial units on the ground floor and communal facilities including a gym, bicycle workshop, co-working spaces and lounges. What’s more, there will be 186 one-bed and 198 two-bed flats, with 176 on-site car parking spaces.
Commenting on the news, Savills planning team director Bryony Stala, said: ‘The delivery of this scheme will be a catalyst for development in the area at a scale that will create a critical mass that allows a creation of a community, which will support the active frontages on the ground floor of the development.’
Likewise, Stala added the flats would contain subtle hints that will reflect the history of the site.
However, since the development has been confirmed, it has been notes that vehicular movement in and out of the housing site on matchdays at St Mary’s Stadium would not be possible.
Image: Corstorphine & Wright