Townhill Park: Abri unveils plans but no start date set

The promised regeneration of Townhill Park has been blighted by delays for more than a decade.

Now, it has been revealed what residents can expect from the long-awaited redevelopment.

'Nothing has started'

Several flat blocks were finally demolished in 2024, including those on Rowlands Walk and Benhams Road.

Housing provider Abri will develop the latter plot, along with the Meggeson Avenue shops and Ark pub site.

Last month, Abri revealed plans to build around 180 homes across both sites and transform the former pub site into a “community area”.

The cost of such work is to be confirmed by the company, who told the Echo the “exact number of homes is to be finalised” as design plans continue to be made.

“Only when these proposals become finalised will we be able to formalise project costs”, Steve Taylor, head of land and planning at Abri said.

For Townhill Park resident of 24 years Mike Smith, the changes could not come soon enough.

He said: “The area is derelict now. 

"Fair play to Abri for taking it on but they need to get it done as they have not started anything yet.

“The flat blocks at the top of Ozier Road are being emptied but no one has started on the other buildings and plots.

“We have a nice park area now but there is still no one to go in it.”

The former Ark pub site on Meggeson Avenue (Image: Newsquest) Mike added he does not understand why work is not currently being done on the empty plots.

Although he is hopeful the former Ark pub site will be redeveloped.

“It is derelict and the council, and everyone else, uses it as a tip”, he said.

“The whole situation is quite bad really, I thought the council had it sorted, but every time something else changes, we have another meeting and another wait.”

READ MORE:

• Demolition of eyesore flats finally begins after more than a decade of delays

• Housing association set to build homes at Townhill Park

• Demotion of flats left empty since 2011 continues

Steve Taylor added that, alongside Southampton City Council, Abri is working with residents in Townhill Park to shape the future community space.

“We'll hold a public consultation in the coming months for people to come and see the proposed plans and this will be an opportunity for the community to share ideas and provide feedback”, he said.

“As plans progress, we'll be able to provide more information on what people can expect and the proposed timeline for delivery.”

He said Abri is looking to submit a planning application at the end of this year.

The plots on Benhams Road (Image: Newsquest)

'A detailed process'

The council is working alongside Abri, Hyde, Stonewater and Sovereign Network Group to provide affordable housing in the area.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We appreciate that the community is keen to see shovels in the ground and new housing being built. However, this is a detailed process that involves plans being designed, public consultation and planning permission being approved before construction can begin.

“The council will work with the community at Townhill Park such as the local stakeholder group THRILL to ensure residents’ voices are heard.

“As was the case when Roundhill Close was completed, there may be opportunities for residents who moved out of Townhill Park during the regeneration to move back into new accommodation.”