Southampton: Hammerson's plans for Watermark WestQuay approved

Hammerson’s outline planning application for its £70million Watermark WestQuay scheme has been approved by Southampton City Council today. 

Councillors voted unanimously to support the 950,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme, which is immediately adjacent to Hammerson’s jointly owned 820,000 sq ft shopping destination WestQuay Shopping Centre.

The masterplan will be delivered in two phases with the first phase comprising a landmark cinema building, up to 15 restaurants and additional retail space, alongside newly created public space in front of the city’s historic walls.

The second phase has the potential to include a residential tower, a hotel, flexible office space, restaurants and additional public space.

Guy Wells, development manager for Hammerson, said: “The site offers a unique opportunity to transform a redundant brownfield site and will ensure that Southampton continues to provide residents and visitors with a fantastic retail and leisure offer in the city centre.

“We have been extremely encouraged by the support we have received during the planning process and following the determination of the application we will now begin work on our detailed designs for the first phase.”

Hammerson originally developed WestQuay shopping centre, anchored by John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, in 2000. The centre attracts 17 million consumers a year and recently launched Dining at WestQuay, a £7million catering extension which attracted new restaurant brands to the centre and Southampton.

ACME designed the masterplan for Watermark WestQuay and Barton Wilmore is providing planning advice on the project.