issue#1 autumn 2009
forwardSouthampton’s regeneration magazine
International gateway Page 4 Project by project – what’s happening Page 12 Art in the right place Page 23 Working together Page 43 listening understanding planning delivering achieving
Baqus offers a range of construction consultancy services
PROJECT MANAGEMENT/EMPLOYER’S AGENT
QUANTITY SURVEYING/COST MANAGEMENT
RISK MANAGEMENT
BUILDING SURVEYING
CDM CO-ORDINATION (HEALTH & SAFETY)
ACCESS CONSULTANCY
FUNDING TECHNICAL ADVICE INCLUDING PFI, PPP, LOTTERY
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
‘ONE STOP’ PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
Baqus is proud to be at the forefront of the exciting regeneration projects in the City of Southampton
Offices at: Baqus Boxall Sayer Canterbury > Chichester > Lichfield > Liverpool > London > Manchester > Oxford > Poole > St Albans > Winchester Baqus Denley King
Email: [email protected] Baqus Fletcher McNeill
www.baqus.co.uk Baqus Sworn King
issue#1 autumn 2009 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine
executive Editor Kirsty MacAulay
features editor Alex Aspinall
art director Terry Hawes
advertisement Sales Lee Harrison 33 Production manager Rachael Schofield
Managing Director Toby Fox issue#1 summer 2009 04 Vision 33 visitor economy
forwardSouthampton’s regeneration magazine Southampton’s regeneration Not just a departure point. We Printed by Manson forward
Southampton’s regeneration magazine Images Southampton City programme is playing to the look at what Southampton has Council, Southampton Guildhall, city’s strengths to offer visitors Dan Wilson, Mobile Homme, Transe Express Laura Hensser, summer 2009 Southampton’s soul Page 4 Project by project – what’s happening Page 12 Art in the right place Page 23 Joe Low, Tom Grimsey, 1 Working together Page 43 Adcuz.co.uk, Matt Dunkinson, 12 projects 39 community Mike Conquer, Leighton Rolley, cover image The lowdown on the major How residents are National Oceanography Centre The maiden projects that are set to change getting involved in Published by voyage of the city the future of QM2 from 189 Lavender Hill Southampton. the city London SW11 5TB 23 culture T: 020 7978 6840 www.3foxinternational.com How art and culture are helping 43 Partnership define Southampton’s future Working For southampton City Council together is the Dawn Baxendale, 28 skills key to working assistant chief executive 04 With 6,000 well Subscriptions and Feedback graduates each www.forwardsouthampton.com year, business links 46 contact © 3Fox International Limited 2009 All material to education is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Who to contact at Reproduction in whole or in part without the are vital written permission of 3Fox International Limited Southampton is strictly forbidden. The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of information in this City Council magazine at time of going to press, but we accept no responsibility for omissions or errors. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of 3Fox International Limited or 28 Southampton City Council.
Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 0 0 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine vision
Gateway to success It is a successful port, a major shopping destination and a centre of excellence for marine research, with an expanding international airport. With £1.7 billion of investment planned, despite the downturn, the future for Southampton looks bright, says Charlotte Goodworth
outhampton is making shipping for centuries, Watergate Quay the most of its assets through was first recorded in 1411 and it has gone considerable investment in from strength to strength. The Port of £1.7 billion worth of Southampton is currently experiencing a Sdevelopments. The aim of new golden age. It is worth around S outhampton City Renaissance, the £2 billion a year to the local economy, regeneration programme, is to boost the provides more than 12,000 jobs as a direct local and regional economy while making result of port operations and handles it an exciting, attractive and well-designed around 7% of the country’s seaborne trade. place to live, work and enjoy. Doug Morrison, director of the Port Southampton’s geographical location, of Southampton, says: “The port is as its successful port, excellent transport important now as it ever was, it’s an networks, waterfront, two universities, international gateway. We are the number business support services, and hospitality one cruise port, the number one vehicle- and retail industries are all key platforms handling port and number two container on which the city’s future can be built. Brad port in the UK.” Roynon, chief executive of Southampton And it has bigger plans for the future: City Council, says: “The council’s top “The important thing for us is to leave a priority is to ensure our economy is legacy for the next 100 years. We’re building supported and, most importantly, for the future and we’re looking to invest the benefits of economic renewal and hundreds of millions of pounds to expand regeneration are not just for businesses but our existing container terminal. for the people of the city.” The number of cruise passengers passing The regeneration schemes around the through Southampton has doubled in the city, which have been laid out in the City last six years. The world’s largest cruise ship Renaissance document, are at varying company Carnival – which owns Cunard stages. Some are already up and running, and P&O Cruises – recently opened a others are still in the planning phase. But £19 million cruise terminal designed to the development projects, which range enable the embarkation of 4,000 passengers from Hammerson’s Watermark WestQuay plans for a new retail/leisure facility to the Regional Business Centre and a new The development Cultural Quarter, are expected to build on ❝ the city’s assets. The schemes will create new schemes will create and improved living, working and leisure spaces and facilities, creating an attractive an attractive destination, approximately 6,000 jobs and a city where great investment potential can destination, 6,000 be realised. jobs and a city with Port of many calls great investment Southampton’s economy has long been potential driven by its port. A centre for trade and ❞ » Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 0 D R E W S M I T H L I M I T E D
Drew Smith Limited are pleased to work in partnership with Southampton City Council, with major new housing schemes, as well as supporting their Decent Homes and Decent Neighbourhoods projects. Drew Smith Limited are a local company with a proud history of building, renovating and refurbishing in Southampton and the surrounding areas for 20 years.
Telephone: (08700) 50 30 40 Website: www.drewsmith.co.uk
DS215_SCC_advert.indd 1 22/05/2009 17:35 vision
Facts and a day. Proof, if it were needed, that business undoubtedly create a new landmark in figures is booming. And the ripple effect means the Southampton and draw other major local economy benefits by approximately businesses to the city.” ■ Population: £250 million each year from the cruise ship around 230,000 turn around business. Cultural coast The success of the port has attracted With a great waterside position, award- ■ Economy: £4,756 some of the major players in the marine and winning parks and some outstanding million*. The GVA per maritime industry, including the Maritime public realm regeneration on the cards, head is £20,800, higher and Coastguard Agency and the National not to mention excellent road and rail than the regional value Oceanography Centre (a world-leader in networks, fantastic natural attractions on its of £20,152 (*figures Oceanographic research). doorstep (including beaches and the wide from ONS Dec 2008) The developments taking shape around open spaces of the New Forest National the waterfront are attracting even more Park), Southampton has the capacity to be ■ Employment: around big names from the maritime world. a world-class destination for leisure and 7,700 businesses Carnival showed its commitment to business. operate in Southampton Southampton with its investment in a new The waterfront location provides and some 130,000 UK headquarters, maintaining 900 jobs great potential for attracting visitors, people are employed in and confirming Southampton’s status as and residents and reviving a currently the city. Approximately the number one cruise port in Northern underutilised area of the city. The two-thirds of the city’s Europe. regeneration plans reflect this with several population are of Duncan Trench, director of projects at development projects proposed along the working age Development Securities, who managed waterside including the new Ocean Village ■ Industry: the most the Carnival project, says: “In our recent scheme, offering a mix of leisure and living significant sectors are experience of working with Southampton facilities, marina, events space and four-star distribution, tourism, City Council we have found the city’s hotel. A new boardwalk along the Itchen banking and finance- decision makers to have a positive and waterfront and the £500 million Centenary related activities proactive approach. The building will Quay project, which will create a new » ■ Education: the city has a strong higher Southampton Boat Show attracts education sector and a ❝ student population of 120,000 visitors annually generating over approximately 40,000 £4 million for the local economy
❞ Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 0 civic square, public gardens and a riverside day-trippers to stay overnight turning walk will establish an attractive destination, Southampton into a city break destination. dramatically changing the city’s waterfront A major boost in the bid to encourage and the face of Southampton in the eyes of tourists, both business and leisure, to the the visiting population. city – as well as being a major factor for The waterfront also provides the perfect business relocations – is its airport. This is home for the Southampton Boat Show. A continuing to expand, providing access to major national event attracting 120,000 more than 40 destinations via 15 airlines visitors it generates over £4 million for the and tour operators. It employs over 1,200 local economy each year. The aim of the local people and welcomes around two £500 million development of the Royal million passengers a year. The airport Pier by the council, Associated British Ports contributes over £86 million to the local and the Crown Estate is to make it an even economy and it is expected that by 2030, bigger and better draw for visitors and this figure will be £260 million a year. exhibitors. Jan Halliday, director of marketing and Currently, one of Southampton’s largest communications at Southampton Airport, attractions is its shops. A whopping 70% says: “Southampton has a long and proud Above: A taste of things to come. This human of day visitors come here to shop – making history of being a gateway for global trading mobile was part of a dramatic event to it 14th in Retail Week’s Top Towns guide. and travel. Very few cities in the UK can celebrate the launch of the emerging WestQuay shopping centre is currently the boast such excellent transport links. Indeed, Cultural Quarter. major attraction but plans for more retail having an award-winning airport, and a options such as Hammerson’s proposed world-renowned port, as well as fantastic Watermark WestQuay and the recently road and rail links are all important factors opened in-town IKEA superstore can only for companies looking to locate in this encourage visitor numbers and, hopefully, region.” lead Southampton into the top ten. In the longer term, Southampton The leisure element of Watermark wants to capitalise on its cultural heritage, WestQuay – luxury multiplex cinema, even setting its sights on becoming an hotel, cafes and restaurants packed around International City of Culture. And it has a continental-style plaza – could persuade a good grounding, home to the second-
This picture: A lighting project highlights the historic city walls.
0 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine vision
important departure/landing point throughout Very few cities in UK history – from the Pilgrim Fathers to the ❝the UK can boast such arrival of the troops in preparation for the Keeping D-Day landings - events that have shaped the Southampton excellent transport city. A special exhibitions gallery will host a range of national and international touring moving links, an important exhibitions. Southampton has long Integral to the regeneration plans for the city economic factor been a major transport hub and is the proposed Cultural Quarter, which will the city council is keen to invest ❞ incorporate existing buildings such as the City heavily in the maintenance longest medieval walls in England, the annual Art Gallery, Guildhall and Mayflower Theatre. and improvement of its roads Sea City Festival, as well as theatres and Additions include the new Regional and public transport systems. museums. Plans for the new Sea City Museum Business Centre, a six-storey office building, It aims to focus on improving to celebrate the city’s links with the Titanic which will enhance the lively atmosphere of the accessibility, road safety, – planned to open in 2012, the Titanic’s quarter with seating from its café or restaurant air quality and reducing centenary year – will add great kudos to the spilling out onto the new square. The star of congestion. cultural offer. the show however, will be Southampton’s The city council and its Housed within the old magistrates court £14 million new arts complex offering visual, partners are investing building, the museum is expected to be one of performing, video and film and Asian arts on £22 million into improving the the best attractions in the south of England. the site previously occupied by Tyrrell and city’s highways – the biggest Exhibits and displays will tell the history of Green fronting onto Guildhall Square. spend on Southampton’s roads. the Titanic’s Southampton crew, revealing the The square itself is now undergoing a major The highways scheme is part of previously untold stories of this well known refurbishment befitting its new lease of life a wider plan to improve access tragedy and demonstrating the international, at the heart of the Cultural Quarter with new to the waterfront, connecting national and local importance of the city’s paving and bespoke new seating it will form the it to the city. The proposed maritime heritage. Southampton City Council perfect venue for performing arts shows and QE2 Mile is also aiming to and the Heritage Lottery Fund jointly funded events. As residents and visitors lucky enough create a more cohesive route the development stages of this project. to be in town on 27 June discovered as they between the city centre and the The museum will also feature a range of were given a taster of the type of event they can waterfront, linking to a series exhibitions exploring Southampton’s role as an expect to see in the square. » of new, attractive public spaces including the refurbished Guildhall Square. A £1 million scheme has recently been proposed to create a boardwalk along part of the River Itchen to make it easier for people to cycle and walk around the city. Brad Roynon, chief executive of Southampton City Council, confirms: “We are investing significantly in the highways network, maintaining it and making improvements, but we’re also working with the private sector providers and with neighbouring authorities, particularly with Hampshire County Council, on improving the public transport offer. It’s already pretty good but I think we can expand on what we’ve got and take it further.”
Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 0 This picture: The city’s port generates around £2 billion a year for the local economy and approximately 12,000 jobs.
The Midsummer Dreams event, produced creation of anti-cancer DNA vaccines while of Southampton’s real strengths and by Nuffield Theatre in association with the the university’s National Oceanography is the focus at Millbrook Technology council, was a spectacular aerial show where Centre, which opened in 1995, is one of the Campus (MTC), which opened in 2007, a drumming troupe was transformed into a top five research institutes in the world, accommodating start-up companies human mobile suspended over the square, leading the way in ocean and earth science. specialising in multimedia technology, witnessed by 7,000 people. The university has set up knowledge biochemistry, electronic systems and micro transfer partnerships to benefit local electronics. Tenants include Primer Design, Global reach and a companies and its focus on innovation and the company responsible for creating the knowledge economy entrepreneurship is transforming academic DNA testing kits for swine flu. MTC won The most significant sectors in research into commercial businesses, the 2008 Enterprising Britain competition Southampton’s economy are finance, generating over 70 business start-ups and for the South East and has worked with distribution, banking and tourism. The spin-out companies to date, many of which Solent Education Business Partnership city has joined together with other councils are based in and around the city. to raise aspirations of local young people in South Hampshire to establish the Indeed, the University of Southampton through business and education links. Partnership for Urban South Hampshire Science Park has attracted 50 science and Southampton City Council is very (PUSH) to create a strategy for economic- technology based companies including aware that development in the city needs led growth. The initiative aims to achieve household names such as BSkyB and an to be holistic, it is not just about new an annual economic growth rate of 3.5% enterprise hub to encourage growth of buildings but creating links, engaging generating 59,000 additional jobs and new business. The park is currently being the community and looking to the future. 2 million extra square metres of commercial expanded into a 3.5-hectare site on the Southampton City Renaissance has avoided floorspace by 2026. Benham Campus to accommodate growing the pitfalls of piecemeal regeneration, so With two universities and approximately demand. the refurbishment of Guildhall Square, the 40,000 students, graduate retention is a The university is investing more than QE2 Mile and riverside boardwalk will sit vital aspect of boosting the city’s economy. £250 million in its estate. This includes the well alongside some of the proposed new The University of Southampton as one of redevelopment of its Boldrewood campus as buildings such as Watermark WestQuay and the UK’s leading teaching and research a maritime centre of excellence facilitating Southampton’s new arts complex, making it universities creates essential links between teaching and collaborative groundbreaking an appealing place not only for businesses the university and the local business research, with an emphasis on the but for residents, visitors and newcomers, community. Ground breaking research knowledge-led economy. which will also increase its appeal for projects at the university include the Research and technology is one investors and developers. ●
10 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine When it launched, WestQuay brought new brands to the city including H&M, Karen watermark Millen, French Connection and GAP. Nearly a decade on, it continues to attract both the best of British high street and emerging international brands. Latest additions include WestQuay Apple, Fat Face and most recently, Hollister, an Abercrombie & Fitch Company brand. A major catalyst for the regeneration of Southampton, WestQuay Shopping Centre was a key driver in attracting Hammerson has a strong record of carrying out successful major regeneration projects in additional investment in the city and put Southampton partnership with local authorities. Its project firmly on the retail map. management skills enable it to carry out complex developments, revitalising city centres The investment spearheaded by WestQuay, In addition to delivering exceptional architecture, and the gateways to towns, such as Bullring in means the shopping centre has leading and new retailers to complement WestQuay’s Birmingham and more recently, Cabot Circus in international brands as neighbours, including offer, Watermark WestQuay will also enhance Bristol and Highcross Leicester. Its leadership Cruise operator Carnival who have opened a the local economy with the creation of a further is reinforced by a long-term view: adopting new global headquarters in the area, and Ikea 1,000 retail and leisure jobs. business practices across the group that are opening its first store on the south coast less economically, socially and environmentally than 500 metres away. David Atkins Hammerson managing director sustainable. Hammerson’s aim is to be the UK commented: “We have a proven track developer and property owner of choice for The latest initiative is the renewal of a four record in Southampton with WestQuay both partners and our occupiers. hectare brownfield site immediately adjacent Shopping Centre delivering a strong retail focus to WestQuay. The site offers a unique for the city. Watermark WestQuay will create a www.west-quay.co.uk opportunity for urban regeneration and renewed setting for the currently underutilised Hammerson has been awarded outline historic walls with the public plaza providing a planning approval for the scheme. revitalised public realm for the city.”
Watermark WestQuay, designed by Foreign “Our continued involvement and Office Architects, has been created to investment in Southampton will complement the medieval walls in help ensure the city remains the Southampton’s old town, which will form an destination of choice for the impressive backdrop to the development. south coast.”
The mixed-used scheme will include a public Developed in 2000 by Hammerson, WestQuay’s plaza and continental-style café and restaurant impact is still a significant barometer of quarter, a pocket park, up to 24,000m2 of retail Southampton’s success. With over 90 retail space, a luxury cinema and hotel and a operators creating over 2,500 jobs, the shopping landmark residential tower comprising up centre provided a welcome boost for the local to 240 apartments. economy and remains an essential part of the employment market today.
WQ_FF2290_Watermark_Ad.indd 1 29/5/09 17:06:44 T
C H
A E
D R A A Play WELL RO N OM L CR V T area E O H B N 5 E O N 3 R U L
K 3 T E
L R A R E
D O HOWARD ROAD Y D MOU 4 A E R N ROAD ONE PLAC A NT 2
D O T LT D S MI ROCK O PL 0 R EA 3 SA A W N E O T G L RO S A D C D I A N R A R B E L O T T
H O C N M E E A R AVENU C A ON L R L ILT MILTON RO W E H E AD P S T Y C LYO E N STRE R R D N ET
O T O R
A N
O D
F HILL FARM ROAD B U N D
R E E
L W O B R
I DN T N C ANC E E G O CE R E LA OAD P E T M ON LT D N R O CA R B A
N A T E O
L S R R R
O O L T N
A A E L L A E N I D D D GUA V RD S R A OAD H UNIO R R N T STREE S T O Y D PRI R NCES S U D TREET B A S I L O T A R HAM ROAD E
GRA E
ROAD S ST R
SANDHUR N T
E
O S D X M
N M O A
D O O H
L A A R
R ➞ Polygon CLOVELY ROAD O R DURNFORD ROAD G G S R D O Northam T R ➞ LA A N A E O 17 P CE 13 K D C M O S IC O A T V W T R S R A G E E N R E N U N E R E R I A R O B Rock U T E Y T F G T N R R U S O D A R L V H LA OXF ENUE F S A K ’ I T E N R A T DEL RO PA S Garden S IN AD L
D Q E N Newtown H R
R E N D C K
A E O Play
06 D H C LA Peace A P A D D area S N Fountain R H RLA Nicholstown IR BE LE CUM Y D A 15 ARGYLE ROAD RO Titanic A O Cenotaph D R T ON D S H G R I Y ST ALBAN’S A E POL memorials Mosque S RD 30 R L 57 R N O O H O C R T M T I H N E BR E O R
O T K T COMMERCIAL ROAD COMMERCIAL ROAD S RO S A L N S D E
T O E
D S A B OA P R R L N I ON I D N ERT T OLV W 12 R O W D E N H W ’S A A S R O B ROCH R D R R ES V D TER S E M I TRE A T ET L H Gas BLECHYN T A DEN TE O OR RRA 09 N N C E C holders 01 N K I VIC D R A TO RIA A O ST R O A OAD R AM R O D ORTH N A E R 10 D 08 E ROAD D NEW I MOUNTBATTEN WAY A33 V C L IVIC CENTRE ROAD E Toys B T TH FRON R Us Skandia NOR K
House I N
G
G O
L S
D
P W
E
A 07 N A
L
Y G P M
Asda R O
O
E R V D ARA R P D E E T A R S U L O T O A R O B N N R N D OAD R A Play GLE R O R E H T NT O FRO H area E SOUTH T R UND TREE ROAD A U R PO D O A S JAMES STREET C Above
E
A
B
O Play T
E Bar V E
E area St Mary’s R
T
B
S
A EMAN STREET E R OL C N
R
S S
U
T T W O
R B
M
E L S E E
T E A E
M
T Q R Skate D
U Y A A
S Y park R
R T A
O R HANOV P A ER BUIL E DIN E D GS E
N HOU T St Mary’s 03 ND I W R E Church L L A PLACE M Western H
Old C I G CH A Debenhams APE H L RO Town S AD
T S Walls L Docks T E Night R W E
E EAST STREET buses 14 A 04 Y T 05 Below M Chapel E A EL N R M SH T Household A E L R Bar L A Waste Crosshouse NE R H Recycling Hard T D R Centre UK E E O T E N E D S S N T N D Holyrood A L R
D E
L E R L L A I D RIC E E
G D H Church F M Jobcentre A
N R O T U T N S Y E A D
B O A E S S T A E ruins H E Plus T L R R R C R R U
P E W R T E T P S H N S S S E O I L P R E T L N T U H M E A C E N R C B
W B E N E ER R NAR E N L E D T E ST R E U RE T R ET A A Toll H L T F B CROSSHOUSE RD Q T R S ID F Bridge E Old GE O W Tudor K
C ITCHEN BRIDGE A3025
Merchants A
B Hall T D S Town R E L SH Hard G AR D May ower U TM A B L O courts Play A R Memorial BRI S TE TON STR U area Vaults EET N Q A UEEN’S C TER C RAC H 16 T E A O N N W EL WAY N Q U 06 A Y R NUTE ROAD I V CA E R Ocean T E S T Titanic Village Memorial
OCEAN WAY Marina
Royal Pier Marina (closed)
EUROPE AN WAY OC EAN WAY
IoW Hythe 15 mins 55 mins IoW 23 mins
Viewing point Eastern N for cruise ships SS Shieldhall Docks E H
C T I
R E
V I R
12 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine T
C H
A E
D R A A Play WELL RO N OM L CR V T area E O H B N 5 E O N 3 R U L
K 3 T E
L R A R E
D O HOWARD ROAD Y D MOU 4 A E R N ROAD ONE PLAC A NT 2
D O T LT D S MI ROCK O PL 0 R EA 3 SA A W N E O T G L RO S A D C D I A N R A R B E L O T T
H O C N M E E A R AVENU C A ON L R L ILT MILTON RO W E H E AD P S T Y C LYO E N STRE R R D N ET
O T O R
A N
O D
F HILL FARM ROAD B U N D
R E E
L W O B R
I DN T N C ANC E E G O CE R E LA OAD P E T M ON LT D N R O CA R B A
N A T E O
L S R R R
O O L T N
A A E L L A E N I D D D GUA V RD S R A OAD H UNIO R R N T STREE S T O Y D PRI R NCES S U D TREET B A S I L O T A R HAM ROAD E
GRA E ROAD S HURST R projects
SAND N T
E
O S D X M N M O A
D O O H L A A R
Polygon R CLOVELY ROAD O R DURNFORD ROAD G G S R D O Northam R T LA A N A E O P CE
K D C M O S IC O A T V W T R S R A G E E N R E N U N E R E R I A R O B Rock U T E Y T F G T N R R U S O D A R L V H LA OXF ENUE F S A K ’ I T E N R A T DEL RO PA S Garden S IN AD L D Q E N An in-depth look at the schemes Newtown H R
R E N D C K
A E O Play D H C LA Peace A P A D D area N R SH RLA Fountain IR BE Nicholstown and developments that are part of LE CUM Y D E ROAD RO A Titanic ARGYL A O Cenotaph D R T ON D S H G R I Y ST ALBAN’S A E POL memorials Mosque S RD 30 R L R Southampton’s £1.7 billion regeneration 57 N O O H O C R T M T I H N E BR E O R
O T K T COMMERCIAL ROAD COMMERCIAL ROAD S RO S plans for the city centre and waterfront. A L N S D E
T O E
D S A B OA P R R L N I ON I D N ERT T OLV W RE O W D H N Alex Aspinall reports W ’S A A S R O B ROCH R D R R ES V D TER S E M I TRE A T ET L H Gas BLECHYN T A DEN TER O OR RAC N N E C holders K N I VIC D R A TO RIA A O ST R O A OAD R AM R O D ORTH N A E
D R E ROAD D NEW I MOUNTBATTEN WAY A33 V C L IVIC CENTRE ROAD E Toys B T TH FRON R Us Skandia NOR K
House I N
G
G O
L S
D
P W E What’s A
N A
L
Y G P M
Asda R O
O
E R V D ARA R P D E E T A R S U L O T O A R O B N N R N D OAD R A Play GLE R O R E H T NT O FRO H area E SOUTH T R UND TREE ROAD A U R PO D O A S JAMES STREET C Above
E
A
B
O Play T
E Bar V E happening,
E area St Mary’s R
T
B
S
A EMAN STREET E R OL C N
R
S S
U
T T W O
R B
M
E L S E E
T E A E
M
T Q R Skate D
U Y A A
S Y park R
R T A
O R HANOV P A ER BUIL E DIN E D GS E
N HOU T St Mary’s ND I
W R E Church L L A where and PLACE M Western H
Old C I G CH A Debenhams APE H L RO Town S AD
T S Walls L Docks T E Night R W E
E EET buses A EAST STR Y T Below M Chapel E A EL N RS M Household when H T A E L R Bar L A Waste Crosshouse NE R H Recycling Hard T D R Centre UK E E O T E N E D S S N T N D Holyrood A L R
D E
L E R L L A I D RIC E E
G D H Church F M Jobcentre A
N R O T U T N S Y E A D
B O A E S S T A E ruins H E Plus T L R R R C R R U
P E W R T E T P S H N S S S E O I L P R E T L N T U H M E A C E N R C B
W B E N E ER R NAR E N L 01 Cultural Quarter E D T E ST R E U RE T R ET A A Toll H L T F B CROSSHOUSE RD Q T R S ID F Bridge E Old GE O W Tudor K 02 Ocean Village
C ITCHEN BRIDGE A3025
Merchants A
B Hall T D S Town R E 03 IKEA L SH Hard G AR D May ower U TM A B L O courts Play A R Memorial BRI S TE 04 Watermark WestQuay TON STR U area Vaults EET N Q A UEEN’S C TERR C ACE H 05 Carnival T A O N N W EL WAY N Q U 06 Lower High Street A Y R NUTE ROAD I V CA 02 11 ➞ 07 Police Headquarters E R Ocean T E 08 Regional Business Centre S T Titanic Village Memorial 09 Gantry/Mayflower Theatre Marina OCEAN WAY 10 Central Station Royal Pier Marina (closed) 11 Centenary Quay 12 Mayflower Plaza 13 Ordnance Survey, Adanac Park 14 West Quay 3 Site B
EUROPE AN WAY OC EAN WAY 15 The QE2 Mile 16 Royal Pier Waterfront IoW Hythe 15 mins 55 mins IoW 23 mins 17 Maritime Centre of Excellence
Viewing point Eastern N for cruise ships SS Shieldhall Docks E H
C T I
R E » V I R
Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 13 Southampton’s new arts complex Taking centre stage in the Cultural The 7,000sq m of space will include redesigned Guildhall Square. The Quarter will be Southampton’s auditoriums, studios and gallery mixed-use project will provide retail £14 million new arts complex. space offering an ambitious range and restaurant units on the ground Grosvenor has recently been confirmed of programmes and events aimed and mezzanine floors and apartments as the developer for the project at encouraging access to the arts alongside the arts complex. working with architect CZWG. for all and developing local creative Completion is expected around 2014. The complex will bring together industries. Southampton City Council is Art Asia, City Eye, the John Hansard Occupying the site of the former working with Arts Council England to Gallery and the Nuffield Theatre 2 Tyrrell and Green building the secure a £5.7 million grant for and directly employ around 140 staff. development will look out onto the this project.
14 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine projects
Cultural Quarter Southampton City Council’s ambitious plans to create a brand new Cultural Quarter are moving forward. The concept includes projects such as Southampton’s new arts complex, Sea City Museum, the Regional Business Centre and the redevelopment of Guildhall Square. The new quarter will build upon the city’s existing cultural activity including the Mayflower Theatre and regional BBC headquarters creating a dynamic, mixed-use quarter.
The QE2 Mile The QE2 Mile stretches from the Cenotaph down to the waterfront and sits at the heart of the city’s commercial, retail and leisure offer. The project is designed to reconnect the city centre with its waterfront as well as reinvigorate principle streets in the city by enriching the public realm, giving priority to pedestrians and creating memorable streets. Improvements to public realm are often associated with a city’s ability to attract inward investment, as reported by CABE in its 2007 report ‘Paved with Gold: The real value of street design’. Mark Evans, city development manager at Southampton City Council, explains: “We want people to recognise that Southampton has a heart and for the QE2 Mile to contribute to drawing visitors, residents and businesses into the city centre. “Investment of around £7 million from Southampton City Council has ensured that progress has been made on the QE2 Mile including road re-surfacing, new paving and street furniture creating a less cluttered and more pleasant environment for pedestrians. Guildhall Square “Local businesses are already Guildhall Square is currently undergoing enjoying the benefits of improvements major refurbishment and sits at the that have been completed so far with heart of the Cultural Quarter. Aggregate cafes in particular benefiting from Industries started work on the square the opportunity to spill out onto the in September 2009 and it is due pavements creating continental for completion August 2010. The style eating.” improvements to the square include new paving, lighting and bespoke seating, which will contribute to creating a new setting for performing arts and seasonal events.
Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 15 Adanac Park Ordnance Survey marked Watermark WestQuay their continuing commitment April 2009 saw outline planning permission 24,000sq m of retail space. to the city of Southampton secured for Hammerson’s £150 million Russell Beresford, project manager for in April 2009, when ground Watermark WestQuay development. The Hammerson, commented: “We are delighted was broken at the site of their project will see the old Pirelli factory site with Southampton City Council’s decision new headquarters at Adanac transformed into a unique mixed-use on Watermark WestQuay. We are continuing Park, situated alongside the development. our discussions with retailers and leisure M271. The scheme, designed by Foreign operators so we are in a positive position to The company, which Office Architects, will be set around a advance the scheme when conditions improve. has been based in the city 3,500sq m new public plaza, with the historic “We remain committed to the development for over 160 years, will town walls providing an impressive backdrop. and Watermark WestQuay will continue our move its 1,100 workforce The four-hectare site will offer a 150-bed successful investment in the city, ensuring into their new 16,400sq m hotel, 200 residential units, a multi-screen Southampton remains a vibrant retail and home towards the end of cinema, cafes and restaurants and up to leisure destination.” 2010. The new building has been designed to better meet Ordnance Survey’s spatial and technological requirements, and has sustainability at its heart, with low energy use guaranteed by the presence of natural ventilation to cut down on air conditioning and by using the ground as a source to heat and cool the building.
Mayflower Plaza Terrace Hill’s £70 million Mayflower Plaza scheme, located between the Civic Centre and the Mayflower Theatre, will feature an impressive mix of uses, including over 10,000sq m of office space, a 150-bed hotel and 180 residential apartments, situated at the heart of the city centre. Nigel Wakefield, development director at Terrace Hill, says: “It is probably one of the best sites in Southampton, and it has been vacant for 20 years now. We are bringing a scheme forward that is one of the largest Southampton has seen for several years.”
16 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine
Regional Business Centre Construction on the new building began in March 2009. It is designed to complement Southampton’s new Cultural Quarter and diversify the mix of uses in the area. The 7,262sq m, six-storey office building will house Capita’s new state-of-the-art customer services centre, in addition to cafe and retail outlets, with seating spilling out onto the newly redesigned Guildhall Square. The city’s new Regional Business Centre brings the site of the former C&A building on Northern Above Bar back into use. Completion is expected in spring 2010, and Southampton City Council will take over 2,000sq m of space within the development.
Gantry/Mayflower Theatre Royal Pier Waterfront Work is now under way on the first stage of larger productions available pre and The redevelopment of the of construction at the new Mayflower post West End and boost the cultural waterfront at the Royal Pier Gantry development. reputation of the city. is a vital element of the city’s This is the first of two stages The second stage of the build will regeneration. The project of construction that will create a create 115 flats, with 65% of those covers an area in excess of new access and scene dock facility for affordable housing, on the site 14.5-hectares, and is likely on the western side of the theatre behind the theatre. The development’s to include a mix of uses ensuring facilities are up to date partners include Atlantic Housing, Drew including commercial office and can cope with the demands of Smith, Mayflower Theatre, Homes and space, leisure and retail units, touring productions. The theatre’s Communities Agency and Southampton a hotel and apartments. transformation will ease the movement City Council. The site includes Mayflower Park, and the Royal Pier itself, which was first opened in 1833. The development will improve Southampton’s public realm at the waterfront, and provide a permanent home for the annual Southampton Boat Show, which attracted over 120,000 visitors in 2009. Southampton City Council is working with ABP and the Crown Estates to achieve a world-class waterfront development.
18 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine projects
Ocean Village Southampton’s MDL Developments’ waterfront areas are scheme includes 130 among its most prized residential units, assets and the success comprising a mix of of the developments one-, two-, and three- along them is likely bedroom apartments, a to define the city’s 3,500sq m innovation Carnival regeneration. The centre offering office Carnival UK’s new headquarters in the heart schemes proposed and accommodation, a of Southampton was officially opened in July coming forward along multi-storey car park, 2009. The 14,000sq m building, by Development the waterfront all have and the 224-bed Securities in conjunction with Aviva Investors, quality of design, and Millennium Hotel, which occupies the West Quay III site and was completed the creation of a sense is to include waterside two months ahead of schedule – quite an of place at their heart, restaurants and bars. achievement in the current climate. and Ocean Village The site will play host to 1,118 Carnival staff, provides no exception to consolidating their UK operation by moving staff the rule. from five different locations into one purpose-built head office.
Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 19 West Quay 3 site B Central Station New police July 2009 saw planning consent granted for the Plans are afoot to redevelop headquarters development of a 155-bed Premier Inn hotel at Southampton’s railway Building work has started the West Quay site in Southampton’s city centre. station over the next on Southampton police’s The scheme, being brought forward by 10-15 years, to create a more purpose-built headquarters. Development Securities, will also see the appropriate arrival point for Located on a 1.35-hectare creation of a 6,000sq m office development, visitors to the city. site on Southern Road the designed to complement the nearby Carnival UK Alastair Dobson, city landmark eight-storey, headquarters. development manager at 13,000sq m building will Duncan Trench, of Development Securities, Southampton City Council, house more than 500 staff says: “We are thrilled to have been granted says: “It is important that members and benefit from planning permission at West Quay to extend our we have a good quality a state-of-the-art custody development. The hotel and office building are an railway station because it is centre with 42 cells. exciting part of the regeneration of West Quay in the gateway to the city. For The official ground- the heart of Southampton’s city centre, and we people arriving at the station breaking ceremony took look forward to starting construction soon.” with no prior knowledge of place in October 2009 and the city, the railway station Southampton-based Brazier is their first impression. It Construction, part of the says something about the Kier Group, anticipate that city, and the city has got a lot the scheme will be complete going for it. ” and ready for occupation by August 2010.
IKEA IKEA opened its 18th UK store in Southampton in February 2009. Thousands of people turned out to witness the evolution of Southampton’s retail offer, as the £80 million store opened its doors for business. The 34,000sq m store, which is expected to attract up to two million customers a year, has created nearly 500 jobs, and has added significantly to Southampton’s retail scene. And early signs are good, with the company reporting 335,000 visits to the store during its first month of trading. Councillor Royston Smith, city council cabinet member for economic development, says: “IKEA has provided an additional boost to the retail offer in Southampton. There is also a concerted effort in the city centre to implement a range of strategies dealing with vacant units. It’s not just about shopping; the city also offers – work, learning, leisure, heritage, cafes, restaurants, theatre, culture and high quality city living.”
20 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine projects
Maritime Centre of Excellence Lower High Street The University of Southampton’s Maritime The area around Lower Centre of Excellence (MCE) is set to secure the High Street, located in the city’s position at the heart of the UK’s knowledge city’s medieval Old Town economy. The reinvigorated Bolderwood Campus quarter, continues to hold (above) will become a world-leading centre for a special significance amid innovation, research and education in maritime Southampton’s continued engineering, engineering sciences and other regeneration activity. maritime disciplines. The council is working The university has been working closely with with its development leading maritime classification and independent partner to create a risk management organisation Lloyd’s Register residential-led, mixed-use to deliver detailed plans for the first phase of scheme to re-establish the the MCE. These plans include the creation of a area, which is currently Centenary Quay maritime institute, bringing together academic underutilised. The development by Crest Nicholson will and business communities under one roof, and The project will need to revitalise this section of the waterfront accommodation for the marine activities of incorporate and realise the delivering more than 1,600 homes, a Lloyd’s Register. opportunities provided by hotel, offices, a supermarket, library, The South East England Development the unique heritage assets health centre and three waterfront Agency (SEEDA) has stated its support for the on the site. apartment towers. A public plaza project, as it has done with other maritime- will also be created as a centrepiece based developments in the city, and is working surrounded by shops, cafes and closely with the university to ensure the project’s restaurants. benefits are shared by SMEs as well as the larger Mark Denyer, development executive organisations in the city and Solent maritime at Crest Nicholson Regeneration is cluster. optimistic about the development’s Outline plans for the redevelopment met with impact on the city. He says: “The project approval in 2008, with the detailed plans for is going to be important for Woolston Phase 1 approved earlier this year. Some work town centre, because it links it to the is already under way to prepare the site for the riverside. It also looks at bringing the development of the new campus, with the main footfall up into Woolston, with the range construction anticipated to start in 2012. of uses we are delivering.”
Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 21 Working with our customers to develop communities to be proud of
First Wessex manages around 17,000 affordable homes primarily in Hampshire.
We provide a full range of affordable housing in the City of Southampton including; rented, supported, shared ownership and key worker housing.
We manage a large portfolio of care and support services both directly and in partnership with other organisations. We provide customer focussed tailor made flexible services to a range of people including older people, homeless people, young people and people with learning disabilities and mental health problems.
www.firstwessexhg.co.uk
SCC Forward magazine advertorial v2.indd 1 29/05/2009 09:28:19 culture
State of the arts
The term regeneration conjures up images of new housing, office blocks, shopping centres and upgraded train stations. But improving the quality of life in a city is about more than just buildings, says Alex Aspinall
continued over page »
Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 23 he key to regeneration is to Cultural Quarter programme, and will animate and bring people into connect it to the rest of the city, its medieval an area, and culture does that old town and the waterfront via the QE2 very well,” claims councillor Mile (see page 20). TRoyston Smith, cabinet The new arts complex will comprise member for economic development. the first two floors of a landmark building “The idea of an exciting yet accessible overlooking the square. It will create a place enlivens and invigorates an area cultural mix bringing together the South throughout the day, and in the evening as Asian performance arts of Art Asia; John well. This kind of regeneration can benefit Hansard Gallery; film and video making The Guggenheim a broad cross-section of people.” And this resources of City Eye; and the dance, music is the motivation behind Southampton’s drama and comedy of Nuffield Theatre 2. effect ambitions for a new Cultural Quarter in The project will include a 370-seat the heart of the city by 2014. It will put performance space, a 100-seat multi- the Bilbao region of Spain was Southampton on the national cultural purpose hall, a video suite, four production suffering economic decline and social map and provide an economic boost to suites, a 1,000sq m contemporary art deprivation before implementing its complement the city’s strengths in science gallery, a recording studio and a café bar. ambitious regeneration scheme. In and technology. It is forecast to create more There will be prominent foyer entrances addition to infrastructure improvements, than 2,000 jobs and an additional leading up to the arts space at street there was a focus on the role the £21 million visitor spend annually. level, integrated with retail/restaurant arts could play within the region’s Southampton’s Cultural Quarter project units at ground and mezzanine floors. renaissance. will re-energise existing cultural facilities in The floors above the art space will » Some were shocked by the decision to the Guildhall area of the city, including the spend over €154 million on a museum of Mayflower Theatre. It will do this by adding modern art. But in 2007, 10 years after in the missing pieces of the cultural jigsaw it opened, the Guggenheim Museum which the city currently lacks – a major new The key to Bilbao attracted more than a million arts complex, an outdoor performance and ❝ visitors. Estimates place the total direct meeting space, and a new heritage museum regeneration is to expenditure in the Basque Country with special exhibitions gallery. generated by the museum at over Guildhall Square will be transformed animate and bring €242 million (or €243 per visitor) and into a central hub of activity, as a meeting people into an area, indicate that it has helped to maintain place for tourists, residents, workers and 4,399 jobs. students which is vibrant, busy and friendly. and culture does Due for completion in Autumn 2010, this that very well will form the heart of the city’s £175 million ❞ 24 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine Local Knowledge | Global Expertise Working in all areas of the built environment
Arup Southampton Brunswick House 8-13 Brunswick Place Southampton SO15 2AP
Dan Adorisio T: 0238 071 5000 E: [email protected]
Advert FINAL.indd 1 27/5/09 09:58:52 The Cultural ❝Quarter will breathe new life into an area of Southampton that has enormous potential ❞
comprise residential flats with roof terraces. Completion is expected in 2014. “What makes the Cultural Quarter so significant is that it brings together so many like-minded cultural and arts organisations into one place.” Stephen Foster, director John Hansard Gallery continues: “It is far greater than the sum of its parts, regenerating this part of the city in a way that no one organisation could achieve alone. The university recognised early on the importance of what the Cultural Quarter creativity and innovation,” observes pro-vice quarter develops; inspiring residents and would achieve and wanted to be a part of it. chancellor Keith Johnson. “Southampton visitors alike to explore the spaces and make “The university is making a considerable Solent University’s presence within the their mark on how they are used. investment to expand the gallery to be planned Cultural Quarter is of the highest “Realising the plans for the Cultural part of the new arts complex. We are possible value to us given the very high Quarter is essential to Southampton’s vision excited about the prospect of the addition premium placed by the university on its for economic and cultural regeneration,” of a tailor-made space allowing us to cultural and creative work within the city says Smith. “It will create a critical mass of exhibit and commission a greater range of centre and the community.” cultural opportunity stimulating the visitor, contemporary and performance art.” The Cultural Quarter project was daytime, evening and night time economies The Sea City Museum will transform launched earlier this year with a spectacular as well as providing a quality place for local the old magistrates court to the west of the aerial event in Guildhall Square with a people to enjoy and feel proud of.” quarter into a national heritage museum ‘human mobile’ suspended 40m above Of course cultural developments attraction. Councillor John Hannides, the crowd. The inaugural event is part of aren’t restricted to the Cultural Quarter. cabinet member for leisure, culture and a programme of performances planned to Southampton has a rich heritage and has heritage comments: “For the first time the punctuate the milestones reached as the always boasted a lively arts scene. ● city’s wealth of maritime heritage will be displayed in one place, drawing in visitors from far and wide and creating a wonderful learning resource for the city. What’s on Among other attractions, the new Cultural Quarter will include: “The special exhibitions gallery planned as part of the project will enable the n Southampton City Art n Southampton city to host touring and temporary arts Gallery 3,500 works of Guildhall the south’s and heritage shows from national and art and one of only 12 biggest multipurpose international museums and galleries.” nationally important entertainment venue Improvements are also planned for collections outside London attracts 170,000 visitors Southampton Solent University’s Sir James a year to see the likes of n Sea City Museum the old David Bowie, Kaiser Chiefs, Matthews building, which faces onto magistrates court will be Ting Tings and many Guildhall Square. It is already home to transformed into a major others lecture theatres, teaching facilities and the n Mayflower Theatre one of national heritage museum Centre for Professional Development in the three most successful celebrating Southampton’s n Guildhall Square is being Broadcasting and Multimedia Production. theatres outside London, 2,000 year history as a transformed into an “As well as the refurbishment and redesign and the largest in the global maritime port and attractive and animated of Guildhall Square the Cultural Quarter south with over 400,000 gateway to the world meeting place will breathe new life into an area of visitors a year Southampton that has enormous potential for the regeneration and showcasing of
26 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine Smart work
As the birthplace of the hovercraft and the Spitfire, and with an illustrious maritime history, it’s clear that Southampton’s residents are an ingenious crowd. Julie Mackintosh investigates
outhampton is a dynamo of become a global ‘hot spot’ in the field of creative activity where forward nutraceuticals, according to the Future thinking ideas are transformed of Business report by HSBC Commercial into twenty-first century reality. Banking and research consultancy The It’s always been an innovative Future Laboratory. Nutraceuticals are S city: this is where the hovercraft and the foods with health and beauty benefits – an Spitfire were created.But that inventive industry worth $80 billion a year globally, streak didn’t stop there – it’s still going according to research company Compera. strong today. From phase change memory Southampton General Hospital, a large materials to DNA detection kits and plastics teaching hospital providing specialist that are a billion times more electrically expertise to the South of England is linked conductive than other polymers and resins, to the university. It is a centre of excellence Southampton is a hotbed of knowledge and for treatment of cancer, heart disease, creativity. respiratory illness, neurological disease, Much of the planned development in the gastro-intestinal conditions and children’s city will encourage the growth of this skills illnesses. The hospital, which has 7,500 pool. The £80 million project at Ocean staff, plays a leading role in the development Village includes a 3,500sq m innovation of new and improved treatments for NHS centre for knowledge-based industries. patients. When it’s completed the centre will benefit Another university initiative is the from links with the university’s National 18-hectare Southampton Science Park, Oceanography Centre, Southampton, which home to more than 50 firms working is home to over 500 scientists and one of the in pharmaceuticals, software design, top five research institutions of its kind in satellite broadcasting and mobile the world. Geochemistry, coastal processes, telecommunications – including global climate change and ocean modelling are just corporations such as BSkyB and Merck. a few of the topics worked on at the centre. Now it is developing an adjacent Research is a priority at the University 3.5-hectare site, the Benham Campus, into of Southampton, which is listed eighth for five buildings totalling 9,300sq m, as a base research in the Sunday Times university for science and technology companies. The league table and was ranked 80th best first (speculative) phase, of two buildings of university in the world last year by the 891sq m and 1,467sq m, respectively, was Times higher education supplement. The due for completion as Forward went pioneering work undertaken here includes to press. the development of anti-cancer DNA Since 1969, the University of vaccines (being tested in clinical trials), Southampton has launched over 50 ‘spin- the development of virtual sound – used out’ companies in fields from oil and in the home cinema industry and at the gas exploration to pharmaceuticals and Optoelectronics Research Centre, they laid nanotechnology – globally it is ranked the foundations for the internet with the behind only Stanford and Cambridge at development of fibre optics. developing commercial businesses from There are clear commercial benefits to its research activities. The 12 businesses Southampton from its profile as a global that have ‘spun-out’ since 2000 have been centre of learning. The expansion of higher floated on the Alternative Investment education, research and closely-linked Market for a combined value of commercial R&D facilities will see the city £160 million, according to a report »
28 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine Fast track your business. Expertise on your doorstep
The University of Southampton is one of the UK’s leading entrepreneurial universities with a strong track record for collaborating with business and creating pioneering companies from University innovations. We are continuing to grow links with the commercial world and companies can access our knowledge, resources and facilities through research and consultancy packages, including the RJ Mitchell wind tunnel that was used by the British Cycling team for aerodynamics testing to help them win Gold at the Beijing Olympics. The expertise of our staff and students is in high demand from business and public bodies and we are a leading provider of professional development and education helping build the skills of the region’s workforce.
C^Â]S^dc\^aTPQ^dcW^ff^aZX]VfXcWcWTD]XeTabXchRP]QT]TÂch^daQdbX]Tbb eXbXcfff b^dcWP\_c^] PR dZ QdbX]Tbb^aT\PX[QdbX]TbbT]`dXaXTb/b^c^] PR dZ
?Pd[ The university’s National ❝Oceanography Centre is one of the top five research institutions of its kind in the world ❞ Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 29 The university ❝is increasingly an asset in terms of both its research contracts and spin- off businesses ❞ Previous page and Right and opposite above: page: The National Southampton Solent Oceanography Centre University excells in and Southampton the arts. The National General Hospital Oceanography Centre (above) are both linked is a world-leader in to the University of research (opposite Southampton. page top). this year by the National Endowment for studio and post production. It also has a Employment Partnership awards 2009. Science, Technology and the Arts. new £1 million music recording studio, a The city has continued to build on its It’s no surprise, then, to hear £1.3 million sports laboratory and maritime heritage. Port of Southampton is Southampton City Council economic undertakes world-leading research within home to the UK’s second largest container development manager Jeff Walters say: the visual arts, general engineering and law. terminal and handles 42 million tonnes of “The university is increasingly an asset The comprehensive regeneration cargo a year (7% of the UK’s total seaborne in terms of both its research contracts plans for the city are also creating new trade). Southampton is widely recognised and spin-off businesses. It could really be opportunities, particularly in expanding as the capital of the UK’s cruise industry, considered as a valuable global company.” the city’s retail skills base. IKEA opened a with an estimated 290 cruise calls carrying But it is not the only university in new store in February and the city council over a million passengers through the port Southampton. Southampton Solent obtained a section 106 agreement that last year. Owner Associated British Ports University is one of the UK’s newest with included a two-day course for over 100 local has just completed a new £19 million cruise 18,000 students and a focus on business, unemployed people. The courses focused ship terminal, following investments of over the maritime industry, sport and technology on improving confidence, motivation and £30 million in new facilities over recent as well as creative subjects such as media, preparation for the assessment process, all years. arts and music. attendees were guaranteed an interview The city’s maritime hub fuels other Solent has been named a Skillset Media for one of the 500 jobs. The programme businesses ranging from petrochemicals Academy excelling in live events, location, was a finalist in Jobcentre Plus’ Local to maritime law. The University of 30 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine skills Southampton’s proposed Maritime services and marine sectors. Our approach Centre of Excellence will offer maritime to tackling this is very much employer- engineering, engineering sciences, and other focused, asking what they need and how relevant disciplines. Planning permission we can combine this while addressing was granted for phase one in February. wider social issues, particularly economic Yacht builder Palmer Johnson is soon to inactivity. There has been a real enthusiasm open a base in the city to build £100 million for the idea across the city and, although bespoke yachts – the largest leisure craft of co-ordination of this scale is never easy, their kind to be built in the UK. According progress is already being made.” to South East England Development Gore highlights SITES (Southampton Agency (SEEDA), who secured the deal, Information, Training and Employment Southampton beat off competition from Services partnership) as a successful Dubai, France and Turkey. initiative. “We are working with a range of With a university student population of “We are keen to tap into the marine partners including Sure Start, Jobcentre approximately 40,000 graduate retention skills base of the region in terms of Plus, the City Council’s Adult Learning and is a priority. The city’s target is to retain training programmes with local colleges Skills team, the Wheatsheaf Trust, local 6,000 graduates each year, partly through and partnerships with local suppliers and colleges and, of course, employers,” adds the Graduate Jobs South (GJS) recruitment subcontractors,” says Palmer Johnson Southampton City Council’s regeneration website launched in April 2007 and now director Ronald Staub. projects manager Fiona McMurray. SITES funded by the two Southampton universities It’s a formidable skills base: more than a brings all of these partners together to and the University of Winchester. quarter of residents are educated to degree provide tailored training to improve skills With more than 1,000 employers level or above and 45% have two or more levels, reduce unemployment and help registered GJS works with local companies A-levels. So it is no surprise that average local people find jobs. The remit covers to identify and advertise graduate vacancies annual wages here are higher than the everything necessary to enable people to and encourage students to remain within national average at £26,902. The number get the job they want, from childcare and the regional economy once they have of residents with no qualifications stands debt issues to helping gain qualifications completed their degrees. ● at just over 12%, lower than the UK-wide and assisting candidates with CVs and 13.8%. interview readiness. But there is still work to be done, Southampton Solent University vice- chancellor, professor Van Gore, who is More than a quarter of residents are also chairman of the city’s Skills and ❝educated to degree level or above and 45% Employability Board, warns: “Analysis tells us there are skills gaps in the retail, public have two or more A-levels ❞ PrimerDesign created Developed from the REAPsystems batteries High tech on the world’s first DNA test University of Southampton’s powered electronic the Hampshire for the recent Mexican Department of Physics and equipment on three yachts Coast strain of Swine Flu. Test Astronomy, Symetrica has racing in the 2006 kits developed by the firm a $222 million contract Americas Cup. can diagnose a suspected with the US Department of Some of sufferer within two Homeland Security to provide Southampton’s hours. The company was next-generation radiation cutting edge founded by University of detection and identification Southampton scientists systems. businesses and is based at Millbrook Technology Campus, a Dr Dennis Doerffel was 4.6-hectare facility opened conducting research into in 2007 for start-up and low-cost, large Li-Ion battery established technology cells at the University of businesses. The campus was Southampton when his developed by Southampton published test results City Council, the University drew industry interest of Southampton and and led to the creation of semiconductor manufacturer REAPsystems, which now NXP. supplies manufacturers of battery and vehicle manufacturers and other companies worldwide. Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 31 CareCapital is a developer and investor in primary healthcare real estate, partnering the NHS, GPs, Dentists and other clinical service providers – in the UK and Germany – to develop uniquely tailored, cost- effective and sustainable healthcare and community facilities. range of community facilities, residential City Gateway stands at the junction City Gateway accommodation and a convenience of High Road and Thomas Lewis Way, store, helping to regenerate the district under three miles from the city centre of Swaythling. and a mile from Southampton airport. An example of a successful partnership This scheme will breathe life into the heart CareCapital are working on a range of of the community and as a consequence community based projects, both here between CareCapital and help to create much needed jobs locally. in the UK and in Germany. Our portfolio ranges from multi-occupancy medical Southampton City Council, The tower will house a mixture of centres to single GP surgeries. Southampton City PCT and affordable social and open market Swathling Housing Society housing, ranging in size from one- For more information on City Gateway bedroom apartments to a spacious or other CareCapital developments to deliver a community and top floor duplex offering stunning please contact Shaun Adams, healthcare venture in an views across the City. Development Manager on urban regeneration setting. Due for completion late 2011, City 0207 034 1949 or email Gateway is an example of one of [email protected] City Gateway will play its part in CareCapital’s innovative developments. For leasing opportunities please promoting Swaythling as a vibrant, up CareCapital understands the needs of a contact our Prime Space Manager, and coming area in which to live and wide range of communities and meet, if Jay Sinclair on 0207 034 1949 or work. This landmark building, with its not exceed, their expectations. Working email [email protected] elegant 14-storey tower, located on in partnership with Primary Care Trusts, one of the City’s main arterial routes local authorities and medical practitioners, CareCapital create purpose built medical will welcome visitors to Southampton. London and Registered Office: It will provide a state of-the-art medical and community buildings that respond to 6th Floor, 54 Baker Street, London W1U 7BU centre, community pharmacy, a current and future healthcare needs. T 020 7034 1949 F 020 7034 1941 www.carecapital.co.uk visitor economy Making waves Southampton’s strategic ourism generates Heathrow today as a point of arrival and £300 million a year in departure for the tens of thousands who approach to the visitor Southampton, from three left its shores on ships bound for the US, economy – worth over million day trips and two million Australia and Africa. overnight stays a year. And today Southampton certainly £300 million per year T If you’re thinking of UK tourist remains a gateway destination. Over one – is improving the city’s destinations, Southampton might not be the million cruise passengers pass through first that springs to mind. But the industry the port annually, on around 300 cruises. appeal to business and supports 6,000 jobs in the city and is going The Queen Elizabeth will take her maiden leisure visitors, as Lane from strength to strength. So what drives voyage from Southampton in 2010, using Southampton’s visitor economy? the new £19 million Ocean Cruise Terminal Palmer finds out Its location certainly helps. Southampton which, along with operator Carnival’s new has always been a key international travel 14,000sq m headquarters at Harbour hub, thanks to its port. In 1840 a rail link Parade in the city centre, illustrate the with London was completed, after which huge investment that supports this rapidly docks were built next to the terminal and growing sector. the port town of Southampton became “Cruises to the Baltic, the Caribbean known as Britain’s gateway to the empire. and the Mediterranean start and finish From the mid-19th century until after in Southampton, generating a sizeable the First World War, it was on a par with market for pre- and post-cruise packages,” » Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 33 says Southampton City Council tourism year. According to airport figures, the single manager David Wood. biggest passenger group, accounting for “Many major hotel brands have a nearly 38% of flights, is the business visitor, presence here, and visitors use the city a strong sector for Southampton. as a base from which to explore regional A whopping 120,000 visitors attended attractions such as the New Forest, this year’s annual 10-day Southampton Winchester and Stonehenge,” Wood adds. Boat Show. This year another event, Ocean The Isle of Wight is another significant local Business, saw almost 3,000 attendees at its destination. A quarter of a million people exhibition for the ocean technology industry each year travel there from Southampton in April/May (close to double the previous with Red Funnel ferries. year’s figure), while Seawork hosted over This page above and below: The Southampton Air travel is another factor in 7,000 visitors for its business to business Boat Show attracted 120,00 visitors last year. The De Vere hotel is just one of Southampton’s Southampton’s flourishing visitor economy. event for the commercial marine and quality hotels. Early seaplanes flying out of Southampton workboat sector in June (up 9% on 2008, in the 1930s were among the world’s first including a 16% increase in foreign visitors). international passenger flights. Today Southampton competes strongly for Southampton Airport operates flights to smaller events with rivals Portsmouth over 40 UK and European cities, and sees and Reading, and for larger events with around two million passenger journeys a Brighton, according to Shirley Pinn of 53% of ❝Southampton Boat Show attendees said they would be likely to visit again. And who could blame them, the city has plenty to offer visitors ❞ 34 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine visitor economy Destination Southampton, the city’s free Exhibitors generated between conference bureau service. Now, with £50.3 million and £97.7 million in sales the Ocean Cruise Terminal open and the during and after the show; that’s between recently expanded City Cruise Terminal, nine and 18% of turnover for those she says Southampton has the type, quality businesses, 13% of which are Southampton and profile of venue to compete with firms and 31% from the South East of Bournemouth for esteemed events. England. 3m day trips and With an international airport, short In addition, 85% of attendees said they travel time (one hour) to London, venues would not have visited the city if not for that cater for up to 2,200 people theatre- the show – and 53% said that, because of style and 3,000 city-centre hotel beds (the the show, they would be more likely to visit city attracts two million overnight stays a again as tourists. year) it is not hard to see why Southampton And who could blame them? The city is the perfect event destination. has plenty to offer visitors; Southampton Why do conferences matter? According has a flourishing arts scene: the Mayflower 2m overnight stays are made to the Southampton Partnership AIF study Theatre is the largest in southern England, in Southampton annually. of the 2006 Southampton Boat Show, for example, attracting 400,000 visitors a the event generated a spend in the city of year, and is being significantly upgraded £10.5 million and supported 284 net jobs. as part of the plans for a new Cultural » Southampton’s visitor economy Three million day Approximately 37% of domestic trips and two million 5.2 million people visitors and 53% overnight stays are live within 80km of of overseas visitors made in Southampton Southampton and stayed in serviced each year (according 57% of them visit the accommodation. to a 2007 Tourism city annually - a total Approximately 14% of South East survey) of nearly three million total trip expenditure people went towards £97.3 million was spent accommodation costs by overnight visitors Expenditure by friends to the city. Overseas and relatives on Southampton’s visitor visitors account for visitors, and visitors’ economy is worth 15% of all overnight spend on second homes around £300 million stays - but 31% of the (eg. maintenance) annually spend generates over £15 million a year This page: Carnival’s £19 million new cruise terminal will welcome international visitors to Southampton. Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 35 £97.3 million was spent by overnight visitors to the city. Overseas visitors account for 15% of all overnight stays - but 31% of the spend. Quarter (see page 23 for more). Turner Sims Concert Hall, which stages creation of the QE2 Mile which will link the The City Art Gallery’s collection of 3,500 over 60 performances a year. While the city centre with the waterfront via its public works is one of only 12 outside London Southampton Guildhall caters for rock and spaces. recognised as being nationally significant pop at what it claims is the biggest multi- Southampton really does have something featuring Monet and Lowry among others. purpose entertainment venue in the south for everyone, but the majority of day Southampton also has a fine selection of of England. visitors, 70%, are here to shop. WestQuay museums: the Solent Sky (pictured above Sports fans will be aware of the ultra is currently the star attraction with 90-plus right) is home to the Spitfire and some modern football stadium at St Mary’s and tenants including John Lewis and Marks & excellent aviation exhibits, for example. the Sir Michael Hopkins-designed, 35,000 Spencer but the newly opened city-centre Meanwhile Southampton’s oldest capacity Rose Bowl, the home of Hampshire IKEA is offering shoppers a new destination museum the Tudor House Museum is Cricket and venue for Neil Diamond and and the choices are set to grow with the currently the focus of a £3.5 million REM concerts in 2008. A £45 million regeneration programme. restoration and enhancement project. Phase development programme will see the With all of this on offer, it is little wonder one of the repair works is already complete, completion in 2010 of a new four-star, that Southampton’s visitor economy is going phase two will develop the building into a 175-bed hotel on the site; the expansion of from strength to strength. ● popular visitor attraction with displays and the adjacent golf course from nine holes to experiences which will tell the story of the 18; and big improvements to capacity and 500 year-old house and the people who facilities that will cement the ground’s status lived and worked there. as a premier test match cricket venue. There are plans for a world-class tourist Southampton’s grade II listed Central attraction detailing Southampton’s role in Parks claim more than 17 million park visits the Titanic story. The proposed Sea City in a typical year. They will benefit from the Museum expects that its RMS Titanic Story exhibit will attract over 100,000 visitors a year. The £28 million museum, which will sit within the Civic Centre within the new Cultural Quarter, will open in A city of shoppers 2012. Councillor John Hannides, says: “Southampton was the home of the Titanic Southampton claimed 14th place Over 70% of shoppers visit more so it is only fitting that we tell our story.” in the 2008 Retail Week Top Towns than one of the city’s retail areas, Southampton also has a wealth of guide including WestQuay, the Marlands heritage. The city’s historic Old Town, Shopping Centre, and the niche, which includes the 12th century Tudor 70% of day-trips to Southampton are fashion-oriented shops of the House museum as well as the City Walls for shopping Bargate Shopping Centre and Bargate, was recognised by English Heritage this year as one of the country’s 85% of residents in Hampshire, IKEA opened a new four-floor store best looked after conservation areas. Portsmouth, Bournemouth and just five minutes from the city But it is not all museums and art Isle of Wight are estimated to visit centre in February 2009 galleries. Music lovers can enjoy lectures, Southampton in the course of a year talks and concerts by international artists (especially jazz and classical) at the 36 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine Foward Mag Advert:Layout 1 25/5/09 17:31 Page 1 Three years into a thirty-year long-term plan, Business Southampton is showing itself as a valuable asset within the business community. Numbers of City Champions, of the city region, whilst also who provide the lifeblood of the gaining direct benefits for their organisation, continue to grow. organisation. With a 25 per cent year-on-year Sally Lynskey, Business growth, the City Champion total Southampton’s CEO, said:“It’s currently stands at more than 100 - an outstanding achievement in not about quick fixes, it’s about a recession that demonstrates partnership working, pooling businesses are committed to expertise and knowledge for the making the Southampton region greater good of the region. Being a the first choice to live, work and City Champion enables businesses thrive on the south coast. to speak with an independent, The role of a City Champion is united voice and to have influence Sally Lynskey CEO, long-term, they invest in the and political leverage at a local, Business Southampton growth, image and development regional and national level.” Bgmkh]n\bg`ma^Lhe^gm>gm^kikbl^<^gmk^l A^k^mhikhob]^lhenmbhglmhrhnk`k^Zm^lm[nlbg^ll\aZee^g`^l LhnmaZfimhgLhe^gmNgbo^klbmrbl\hffbmm^]mh BgghoZmbhgZg]=^lb`g ikh]n\bg`oh\ZmbhgZe\hnkl^lmhf^^mma^g^^]lh_ Ma^Lhe^gm>gm^kikbl^<^gmk^_hkBgghoZmbhgZg]=^lb`g eh\ZeZg]k^`bhgZe^fiehr^kl'BmaZlk^\^gmer ikhob]^lZpb]^kZg`^h_dghpe^]`^%^jnbif^gmZg] ^lmZ[ebla^]_bo^>gm^kikbl^<^gmk^l]^]b\Zm^]mhma^ ldbeel'Lahkm\hnkl^lkZg`^_khfZk\abm^\mnkZe]^lb`g ]^ebo^krZg]]^o^ehif^gmh_[nlbg^llZg]^fiehr^k mhfZkbg^^gobkhgf^gmZg],=<:=mhhel'KZib] l^kob\^l[Zl^]hg^Z\ah_bml_Z\nemb^lÃli^\bZeblfl% ikhmhmribg`_Z\bebmb^lln\aZl,=ikbgmbg`Zg].&Zqbl hen a city is being “The idea was to explain architecture transformed on a large to people through three-dimensional Every scale over a long period, it studies. Every town needs to get the truth ❝town needs can prove tough to win the – especially local residents, who need to Wsupport of local people and have their say and get involved,” explains to get the to involve them in the process. Interaction is Paul Grover, chief executive of the Solent the key and a large-scale model of the city and Centre for Architecture and Design. truth - exhibition of proposed developments showing “It is crucial that people can put Southampton’s regeneration plans, allowing themselves on the map in relation to especially residents and business people to see for developments. People realise that we have local themselves what this will involve, has provided created a resource for them. The idea is to the perfect medium. be more inclusive and engage with them residents, Although it was created as a tool to using a tool that people can understand. Up inform developers of the opportunities in until now, they have often felt excluded.” who need to Southampton the model has proved to be of The exhibition lets people see exactly have their great interest to local residents keen to find what is planned. “There is no hiding place out about the plans for their city. Over 80,000 for a developer,” he says. “The architecture say and get people have visited the exhibition since it exhibition is a catalyst for quality, because opened in June 2008. people do not want second-rate buildings.” involved The exhibition was devised by City Vision The model offers great potential for ❞ Networks, a joint venture between the Solent public consultations. Grover suggests that it Centre for Architecture and Design, the is important to remember that consultation University of Portsmouth and Re-Format, a is not just about neighbourhood renewal. firm of architects and designers. “It is also about enjoying being in a city.” The exhibition also provided space for those A programme of talks held at City Vision architects and developers involved to showcase has proved popular, confirmation, if it were their major projects in the city alongside needed, that the public is interested in what the model, which is the largest in the country the future holds for Southampton. “The outside of the capital’s New London first talk was on how to create quality cities, Architecture Centre. then the future of rural and suburban » Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 39 The ethos has been about involving ❝people. They choose the changes and they choose how the changes are delivered ❞ fringe housing,” he says. “The next will be on We used to have a whole series of working developers and public art.” groups and they were very well attended. In addition, there is a rotating exhibition Now, when we focus on single issues like of new architecture in Southampton. “We crime, meetings are still well attended,” says also plan to showcase Hampshire architects Kellett. annually, and invite different artists to Residents are kept informed through a engage with the city every year,” Grover quarterly magazine and a website. A panel adds. of 233 residents are regularly phoned for There is some concern that both the their views, and tick-list questionnaires are model and the associated projects were distributed to garner opinions. “All this is launched as the economic downturn bites. part of our promise that people would not “It is great that the city has invested in have to come to lots of meetings,” Kellett the model but it has not come at the best explains. “We have found that people do not time,” says local architect Julian Boswell, a want to be interminably consulted but they partner in Sherlock Boswell. He adds: “If want to know what they need to know.” the model and exhibition are to be used as Working in this way helps people to feel a tool to drive the city forward, they need that they have some control over change, to be interactive. For example, planning Kellett believes. “I think that service applications need to be able to engage providers have got to come to where people with the model.” Looking to the long term, are. But it is labour intensive,” he admits. Grover says: “Southampton has realised “We were 26 strong at our height, now we that this is a resource, but we now need are down to fourteen. business support to keep it going.” “It means that we have got to get smarter with our IT and how we communicate. Going local More people want their information over In addition to projects like City Vision, the internet now and are happy to do these there has also been plenty of activity at things online. neighbourhood level. One example is “But there is no substitute for face-to- at Thornhill, where local residents have face meetings and talking to people on the become increasingly involved in managing phone. If you are following up an issue, regeneration of the area themselves. In people are happy to talk it through in a five- 1999, Thornhill Plus You (TPY) was set minute conversation on the phone.” up under the New Deal for Communities, The way in which Thornhill Plus You a government project aimed at getting has involved residents has changed over residents involved in decision-making time. “I’ve chaired TPY for eight years. It about the changes that are made to their is amazing to see how people have grown neighbourhoods. And it has done just that, and developed – and the sheer power of TPY’s main achievement is the level of the community is incredible,” says Debbie resident’s participation and ownership of King, the chairman of TPY, who lives in the issues. Thornhill area. this page: “When we started out, we set up a “The ethos has been about involving The large-scale model at City Vision Southampton is the resident-led board. It has 22 places on it people. They choose the changes and largest outside of London and and the chair is a resident. All decision they also choose how those changes are has proved very popular. making involves a percentage of resident delivered,” she explains. One example of this representatives – it is skewed towards them. is the Your Health, Your Community, Your Financial decisions are made by residents Vote event where residents decided where for residents,” explains Dave Kellett, they wanted to see health and wellbeing partnership director at TPY. funds being spent within their community. Around 700 residents attended the A series of local groups delivered a short inaugural meeting, and the organisation presentation and the 120-strong audience has gone from strength to strength. voted on each project. The event was a Improvements to housing, amenities and to success in terms of encouraging local groups people’s well-being have all been delivered. to think about health related issues and “Two years ago, the bulk of the decisions how their work can help the Thornhill had been made, so there is less activity now. community and showing local residents 40 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine community they have the power to decide where and that things are delivered.” how funding is allocated. The difference King has been involved with TPY from King continues: “The difference between ❝ its outset. Her own experience reflects the this regeneration programme and previous between this successes of the project. “I volunteered ones is that it has put the power in people’s programme and initially because I wanted an outlet while hands. We have been able to get rid of the my children were at school. But I now have tick-box mentality,” King says. “For example, previous ones is a skill set that enables me to go out to work. when we help people to find jobs, we also “I manage the Working Links project, teach them skills – like how to write a CV, that this one has which helps get people back into work. or interview techniques. It means we can Quite a few residents deliver projects.” ● concentrate on quality, not just on getting put the power in www.thornhillplusyou.co.uk them a job. people’s hands “For us, this is what regeneration is ❞ about. It is not just about money and resources – really it is about changing hearts and minds, and changing the way Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 41 30 VA W AV OW SPACESBOOK AVAILABLE NOW! Creating Homes, Building Futures Spectrum Housing Group Ltd Supporting regeneration in Cities and Towns Building Homes Managing Homes Maintaining Homes For further details please visit our website at www.spectrumhousing.co.uk or telephone Paul Read, Group Head of Development on 01425 283659 partnerships All together now “Partnership working Southampton partnership is the way we do What: Leading the way for collaborations in the city is the Southampton Partnership, established in 2002. With business in this city,” representatives from the public, private and voluntary sectors, it brings together initiatives covering issues from culture and says Henry Pavey, adult learning to the economy, branding and community safety. Under this family of partnerships, Southampton’s joined- up approach to regeneration as a social, environmental and strategic partnerships cultural, as well as a physical and economic, transformation has a focus. manager at Southampton Why: Southampton Partnership’s broad role is to implement the City of Southampton Strategy and the 2026 Vision: City Council. From the “As the major city in central southern England, Southampton will be recognised as the region’s economic, social and cultural approach to a high level driver, building on its role as an international seaport, centre for cutting-edge research and leading retail centre. It will be a centre of learning, have a varied and exciting cultural landscape of inward investment to and be known for its innovative and creative businesses, leisure opportunities, fine parks and open spaces. the initiatives designed “Adapting into a sustainable waterfront city, Southampton will have a worldwide profile, attracting visitors, new citizens to make Southampton and businesses by being the UK’s premier cruise liner home port, a major European container port and the local city for one of the UK’s top airports. Southampton will be known as a city a better place to live, that is good to grow up in and good to grow old in, where people are proud to live and economic success is harnessed to social the south coast city’s justice.” Story so far: The Southampton Partnership is no talking transformation is defined shop – it developed and intends to implement the City of Southampton Strategy and the 2026 Vision. The attitude, by a myriad of alliances. commitment and readiness of companies and organisations to get involved shows just how influential the Southampton Partnership has become in the city. “How could we achieve our Julie Mackintosh goal of improving Southampton for the good of all residents without working in partnership?” asks Henry Pavey, strategic highlights some of the partnerships manager at the council. “I think all our key partners, whether from the private sector, public sector or our projects here voluntary and community sector recognise this and want to be part of it.” » Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 43 Economic growth There is plenty Skills and employability of help for What: Partnership for Urban South What: Southampton’s skills profile broadly mirrors start-ups from Hampshire (PUSH) is made up that of the UK as a whole. However, various of 11 local authorities in South collaborations and initiatives are being employed agencies and Hampshire, including the cities of to improve skills in the city. These include: work by Southampton, Portsmouth and the Southampton Council’s adult learning and skills organisations county of Hampshire. team with partners such as Job Centre Plus; work tailored to meet Why: The collaboration aims to with developers around section 106 agreements; help the sub-region realise its Southampton Information Training and Employment the demands of potential and raise its economic Services (SITES); the Skills and Employability performance. Working with a Board, which is chaired by professor Van Gore, the knowledge wider family of partners, including vice-chancellor of Southampton Solent University; economy SEEDA, PUSH is helping potential and smaller initiatives like the adopt-a-school investors with enquiries in the programme run by Solent Education Business region. Parnership. Meanwhile, the Graduate Jobs South Story so far: Set up in 2003-4 initiative, funded by the two universities and the Regeneration & the partnership has a clear vision University of Winchester, aims to keep many of the development to make South Hampshire a place 6,000 graduates the city produces each year in where conditions are right for Southampton. business, productivity, innovation Why: The short answer is to allow the city’s What: For the past few years, and growth. By 2026 it aims to population to take advantage of the opportunities the Developers Forum, made achieve an annual economic growth presented by regeneration. The advantages of up of the team at the council rate of 3.5% while generating keeping young, educated people within the local and developers leading the 59,000 net additional jobs and economy are obvious. major projects, have been two million extra square metres of Story so far: “Analysis from a variety of sources meeting to address the wider commercial floor space. tells us there is a skills gap in the retail, public issues involved in the city’s In November PUSH is launching a services and marine sectors,” says Gore. “Our £1.7 billion regeneration. joint commercial property register approach to tackling this is very much employer Why: Tim Levenson, head providing a comprehensive service focused, asking what they need and finding ways of city development and for companies looking to relocate. to combine their goals while addressing wider social economy at the council, issues, particularly economic inactivity. There has identifies four main functions been a real enthusiasm for the idea across the city of the forum: to look at the and – although co-ordination of this scale is never issues and problems faced by easy – progress is already being made”. developers; to discuss council policy on matters such as SITES – Southampton Information, Training and design; to update developers Employment services – brings together partners on planning policy and to including Sure Start, Job Centre Plus, the council’s become a focus for proactive adult learning and skills team, Wheatsheaf Trust, initiatives aiding the wider the local education partnership, further education regeneration of Southampton. colleges and employers. Its remit covers everything Story so far: The from addressing childcare and debt problems, Developers Forum meets providing pre-employment training and opportunities three or four times a year to gain qualifications to helping candidates with CVs and one of its successes and interview preparation. has been in engaging The council is working with property developers, developers in improving through section 106 agreements, to organise skills. By responding to training and employment plans for all new the problems faced by developments in the city. Graduate Jobs South is developers, the forum aims also making great strides and has placed hundreds to speed up the regeneration of young job hunters since its launch in April 2007. and transformation of Southampton. 44 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine partnerships Business Culture What: Southampton has a lively commercial community What: The much anticipated Cultural Quarter will form as demonstrated by organisations such as Business an integral part of Southampton’s regeneration. Liaison Southampton, the Southampton Business Support between the council, developers and the arts and voluntary Network, Southampton and Fareham Chamber of sectors has been ongoing and fruitful while Southampton Commerce and Industry and Business Link. Inward Heritage and Arts People (SHAPE), which gathers together investment, business creation and expansion are the city’s cultural expertise, has been formed under the supported by the council’s economic development team auspices of the Southampton Partnership. which, under its guise as Invest in Southampton, works Why: The importance and value of culture is recognised as with a range of agencies, developers and decision-makers. a given in regeneration circles. Culture, if defined to include There is plenty of help for start-ups from agencies such restaurants, shopping and leisure experiences plus the arts, as Enterprise First and organisations tailored to meet the is a chief attraction for individuals and companies when specific demands of the knowledge economy. As well as they are deciding whether to settle or stay in a region. other organisations that support self-employment; their Story so far: Southampton’s new arts complex is a work includes helping people with disabilities set up their collaborative venture funded by Southampton City Council, own business and those who have been unsuccessful in who’re working with Arts Council England to secure a securing loans from banks. £5.7 million grant for the project, SEEDA via the Why: Southampton needs a strong and diverse economy Southampton Partnership and the University of to ensure its long-term prosperity. Companies coming Southampton. The complex will bring together Art Asia, into the city region need to know they will be supported the John Hansard Gallery and Nuffield Theatre 2 offering and those looking to start or expand a business will be visual, performing, video and film and Asian arts on a more likely to do so if the regulatory, advice and planning site fronting onto Guildhall Square. The square is now environment understands their requirements. undergoing a major refurbishment with new paving and Story so far: Southampton is looking to create more bespoke seating to form the perfect venue for performing businesses and encourage those already operating in arts shows and events. the region. One example is Business Southampton, an The council’s ambitious plans to create a new Cultural independent organisation that aims to provide a cohesive Quarter also include Sea City Museum, which is expected voice for the commercial community, influence public to be one of the best attractions in the south of England policy, support the skills debate and promote the city and has benefited from funding for the development region nationally and internationally. Its chief executive stages of the project from Southampton City Council and Sally Lynskey says: “We’re just two years into a the Heritage Lottery Fund it also includes the Regional 30-year programme but already we’ve attracted over Business Centre, a six-storey office building. The new 100 city champions covering a full range of Southampton quarter will build upon the city’s existing cultural activity businesses and, with them, we’re committed to creating a dynamic, mixed-use quarter championing the regeneration of Southampton and the Stephen Foster, SHAPE chair and director of the John city region, supporting the skills agenda and promoting Hansard Gallery, says: “This project will give us the world- its attractions outside the region.” Highlighting another class facilities that we deserve. It will also make sure that example of how collaboration is helping to achieve these all our facilities are not only available but used extensively goals, Robin McDonald, an economic development officer by more and more people from the city and the region. at the council, explains that Southampton Business Working in partnership with other organisations will bring Support Network was set up around four years ago ever wider audiences to us and will create the sort of buzz to bring all agencies and interested parties together at the heart of the city that Southampton has been on a periodic basis to raise issues, concerns and share waiting for.” ● knowledge. Expert guest speakers deliver talks on issues such as tax, and business people have the opportunity to network. Southampton’s regeneration magazine forward 45 For more on the renaissance of Southampton contact Dawn Baxendale, assistant chief executive on 023 8083 2587 contact [email protected] 46 forward Southampton’s regeneration magazine Focussing on your commercial property needs www.invest-in-southampton.co.uk Joint property register covering South Hampshire* office accomodation industrial premises retail units development sites If you would like to promote your commercial property with us or require further information contact: Tracey Tizard, Economic Development, Southampton City Council 023 8083 2918, [email protected] *The property register covers: Southampton, Portsmouth, New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester, Eastleigh, Gosport, Havant and Fareham savills the Focusing our skills and southampton expertise to advise on s o u t h a m p t o n ’ s property m a j o r d e v e l o p m e n t s specialist If you are interested in developing opportunities, please contact a member of our specialist team: Jonathan Steele Alan Watt Martin Hastelow Peter Frankum Head of Office New Homes Commercial Agency Urban Design & Property Management & Public Realm Colin Wilkins Gavin Hall Nick Ireland Kevin Marsh Development Consultancy Planning & Regeneration Building Consultancy Licensed Leisure Savills Southampton Brunswick House Brunswick Place Southampton SO15 2AP 023 8071 3900 [email protected] savills.com 2321 Com Dev Ad4.indd 1 22/05/2009 15:05