MEMBERS of the Green Party said scrapped plans for the redevelopment of the waterfront in Southampton are an opportunity for the city.

The Southampton branch of the Green Party said the end of the waterfront development deal between Southampton City Council (SCC) and developer RPW Southampton Ltd is good news and an opportunity to re-look at the area and to ask local people to have their say on the future of the site. 

As previously reported, a hotel, a casino, 730 homes and a gourmet market were set to be built at the site of the derelict Royal Pier, Mayflower Park.

But the future of the area is now hanging in the balance, with SCC saying it “welcomes all expressions of interest from potential investors”.

The Green Party said residents should now be asked what they would like to see at the site.

Katherine Barbour, Green Party campaigner, said: “This is not a big blow for our city – do we need a casino, more parking, gourmet markets, and high value residential flats? No, we don’t but ideas such as a people’s park with natural trees and shrubs, children’s play area, bandstand, beach and more can be put

before planners. That area is a wildlife haven and birds and other creatures can live in peace. Car parks attract cars and we already have enough cars in the city – so this is good news for Southampton residents.”

As reported, in 2017 Southampton Green Party protested against the £450m plans, leading a march from the city centre to the waterfront asking for a re-think about the area.

The party said they now would like to inspire developers.

The reasons which led to the end of the waterfront deal have not been disclosed.

SCC said it will continue to work with neighbouring waterfront landowners,

Associated British Ports and The Crown Estate, as well as the occupiers, to

explore the potential for development plans.

Meanwhile, Kuti Miah, owner of Kuti’s Brasserie, an Indian and Asian

restaurant at the Royal Pier, is to launch a campaign to bring local residents, businesses and councillors together in a bid to raise money and find investors to develop the waterfront. He said he fears the latest news will have a negative impact on the city.

The iconic pier was opened by Princess Victoria in 1833 but was devastated by two fires, in 1987 and 1992, and reduced to a tangle of twisted metal and wood.