Southampton Renaissance
Southampton, UK

However, like many cities across the world, Southampton is a place of contrasts, where thriving, affluent neighbourhoods sit alongside areas facing significant deprivation. These issues are compounded by economic and social challenges post-Brexit and post-Covid, as well as the looming threats posed by climate change.

In recognition of the opportunities and challenges inherent to Southampton, together with limitations to public sector funding, Southampton City Council convened a “Renaissance Board”, which comprises the major institutions and stakeholders that are invested in the historic port city. Working in partnership with Prior + Partners as masterplanners, planners and economists, as well as our wider subconsultant team, we were tasked with bringing forward the Southampton Renaissance – a transformative regeneration programme that represents a new era for the city in terms of its growth, investment, and quality of life.

Our work has been guided by three key deliverables that play a pivotal role in supporting the broader Renaissance Programme. Its cornerstone, the Southampton Renaissance Prospectus, outlines a clear strategy and long-term vision for the city, with a focus on areas for change that will be crucial for ensuring Southampton’s successful future.

Our approach to the vision began with a detailed place assessment and socio-economic baseline report. This analysis highlighted key challenges such as mobility barriers, income disparities, housing shortages, and fragmented public spaces. By synthesising quantitative socio-economic data, we identified priority areas for intervention, all with the outlook of fostering equality, sustainability, and economic opportunity.

Stakeholder engagement was also pivotal to our work, with multi-phase consultations with the Southampton Renaissance Board undertaken, to provide insights that refined the programme’s vision and ensured alignment among stakeholders on critical priorities.

The ensuing vision aims to be clear in terms of direction, but also flexible in order to realise the opportunities, with the ability to transcend political and economic cycles. The vision links with other initiatives in the city, such as the roll out of the new city brand. This is all part of raising the profile of Southampton, and helping them compete with other major places across the world to secure investment and opportunities for regeneration, all aligned with the Southampton City Vision Local Plan.

Renaissance Area Frameworks

Within the Prospectus, five Renaissance Area Frameworks have been prepared that respond to our proposed delivery themes: Waterfront, Destination, Innovation, Neighbourhoods, Green and Connected.

Each renaissance area has been envisioned to demonstrate the art of the possible for its individual area and emphasise the outcomes that change can achieve for the city, not just in terms of development quantities but also in terms of benefits for people, place, and planet. This includes targeted interventions such as expanding green spaces, enhancing transit systems, and introducing mixed-use developments, providing a roadmap for place-based improvements.

At the West Bay area, we have showcased a 21st century urban district that encourages innovation and enterprise, with the potential for a landmark skyline and a true global gateway for cruise passengers, and those arriving at Southampton Central Station.

Meanwhile, in the Heart of the City, regeneration initiatives in the city centre form part of the long-term creation of the “Cultural District”, and the catalytic change of East Street and the Old Town as a destination that reflects its important cultural heritage and layered history.

The other focus areas for investment are Mayflower Waterfront, Ocean Village, and Itchen Riverside, with the latter reintegrating traditionally industrial districts into the City Centre, catalysed by the creation of an enhanced Sport and Entertainment District around St Mary’s Stadium, improved waterfront access and the long-term regeneration of existing housing estates.

Finally, we have crafted an associated Delivery Strategy in collaboration with delivery and property specialists Newsteer. This comprehensive strategy outlines practical steps for implementing the vision and framework areas, including the “Renaissance Sites” for phased investment, proposing funding models, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure effective delivery.

Southampton Renaissance marks the beginning of what could be a truly transformative era for the city, characterised by dynamic growth, strategic investment, and forward-thinking regeneration. It paves the way for a resilient and thriving urban environment designed to meet the aspirations and needs of future generations.

As a practice, we look forward to continuing working with the Council and Renaissance Board to bring about the Renaissance that Southampton and its communities deserve. This commitment is only further propelled by the Government’s recent agenda calling for a new era of strategic planning for England, and we are greatly excited about what further opportunities this could unlock for the city.