Plans submitted for £30 million Southampton council estate transformation

Planning applications to build 200 new homes as part of Southampton City Council’s £30 million estate regeneration scheme have been submitted by Lovell and First Wessex.

The partners have outlined their vision to build new homes and seven shops as part of the proposed redevelopment of Exford Avenue Shopping Parade, Harefield, Laxton Close, Sholing, and Meggeson Avenue, Townhill Park.

This proposed scheme is part of the council’s programme of major estate regeneration projects across the city, which aims to build energy efficient homes for local families and provide local shopping facilities.

Councillor Peter Baillie, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is splendid news. With the planning applications submitted by Lovell’s and First Wessex we can mark another important milestone with the these three schemes in our estate regeneration programme - one we have all worked hard to achieve.

“We would also not be at this point without ongoing support from the Homes and Communities Agency and with their continued financial support we will be able to give tenants safe and secure homes where they will want to live now and in the future.”

The proposals have been supported with £2.7 million investment from the HCA, which will see 106 affordable homes delivered if the planning application is approved.

HCA investment and regeneration manager Mark Glendenning said: “The HCA is investing significantly in Southampton, in its estate regeneration programmes, the Centenary Quay development and some of the first new homes to be built by the council in decades.

“This scheme is important to us because it will deliver high quality new homes and shops to this part of Southampton as part of a major drive to regenerate the area. I’m pleased that plans have been submitted and we will continue to support partners through the course of this project.”

Southampton’s estate regeneration programme aims to build more good quality homes, create local jobs, improve education and people’s well being and reignite community pride.

The council’s estate regeneration team is delivering a number of other major initiatives across the city, including Hinkler Place in Thornhill, and Local Authority New Build projects at Weston and Townhill Park. Consultation with the residents of Townhill Park is ongoing to work with them to transform their estate.