Plan to extend Southampton's Solent Sky museum approved

The scheme will enable visitors to the Solent Sky complex in Albert Road South to access a proposed new cafe on a BAC 1-11 passenger jet.

The aircraft's 60ft fuselage was transported to Solent Sky in November last year and positioned next to the Calshot Spit lightship.

It was previously on show at Cornwall Aviation Heritage Centre and was in danger of being scrapped after the attraction closed in 2022.

The extension will be next to the Calshot Spit lightship on display outside the aviation hall (Image: Newsquest)

An application to build an extension to Solent Sky was submitted in April and has now been approved by the city council.

READ MORE: Passenger jet towed through the streets of Southampton after being saved from the scrapyard

A council report examining the proposal said the applicants had amended the initial design.

"The design originally had a vertical curved form with a render finish. The use of render was considered at odds with the design and materiality used on the aviation hall.

"The applicants were advised to amend the design with a ribbed metallic clad finish similar to the existing building.

"The extension will occupy existing forecourt space between the fuselage and lightship and will not result in the loss of car parking or landscaping.

"It is recognised that a combination of the extension and exhibits to the south side of the museum will have somewhat of a cluttered appearance, but in the context of the museum this is not considered harmful."

Solent Sky is home to more than 20 aircraft, including a huge flying boat built during the Second World War (Image: Newsquest)

The report said the scheme would support the museum's vitality and viability.

It added: "The museum has indicated that the café will be for hot drinks and snacks and the kitchen will not be used for hot food preparation.

"As such, the café will not have an adverse impact on nearby residents."

Solent Sky's director, Alan Jones, said: "We are delighted that Southampton City Council has granted planning permission for an extension connecting the aircraft to the main building, enabling the fuselage to be converted into a cafeteria and exhibition area.

"We are currently seeking funding for this exciting new project and we will make a further announcement when we have more details."

READ MORE: Solent Sky museum was built around Second World War flying boat with links to famous Hollywood star

Solent Sky, which opened 40 years ago, is home to more than 20 planes.

Exhibits include a 1943 Sandringham flying boat, a Supermarine Spitfire, and a Supermarine S6A that took part in the 1929 Schneider Trophy air race.

The flying boat's former pilots include Charles Blair, whose wife, Hollywood star Maureen O'Hara, often accompanied him on flights.

Solent Sky is also home to one of only two joint police and fire museums in the country.