A LANDMARK building in Southampton could be demolished, it has been claimed. 

City councillor Sarah Bogle is calling on the Associated British Ports (ABP)  to engage with residents and work with civic chiefs as she claims ABP is planning to demolish the Solent Flour Mills on the Western Dock.

She said the plans come as the port looks to expand its operation. 

ABP did not confirm or deny the claims but stressed that port bosses are still  working on plans for the site.

Cllr Bogle, heritage champion at Southampton City Council, said ABP would not need to submit a planning application to the city council as the site has permitted development rights.

But she said civic chiefs need to hold ABP to account and work together.

As previously reported, the building was completed in October 1934 and was heralded the beginning of a new commercial life for Southampton Docks. 

But  last year Hovis said a review of its milling business found that the Southampton Mill was “significantly loss-making” and it proposed to cease operations at the site at the end of 2018. 

The building is now empty.

Cllr Bogle said: “I have been made aware that ABP is planning to demolish the building. It provides a key link with our industrial past and continues to dominate the skyline, visible from across the city as a landmark building, that was locally listed in 2009 but not nationally listed. We need to work with ABP to find alternative solutions to demolition, bring other partners in and instead of losing a much-loved part of our heritage, find a new purpose for the building that benefits both the city and the port.  ”

She said the building could be used in many different ways such as for heritage displays or for local education and businesses  and added that it could be included within plans to revamp the Mayflower Quarter.

Cllr Dan Fitzhenry, opposition leader in Southampton, described the building as “iconic”.

He added: ” ABP don’t need planning permission but we would  ask them to be respectful of the fact that it is an important building for the city and explore the options to find a solution that works for the city and for them.”

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith  added: “It would be sad to lose such an iconic building but as it is no longer in use I can understand why the port would want to use the site for other port activity. I hope ABP will  look favourably on any suggestions for alternative use but I acknowledge the challenge of keeping our port competitive and in doing so protecting local jobs.”

When asked whether the claims are true and what are the plans for the site, an ABP spokesman said: “The Solent Flour Mills were in active use until earlier this year when Hovis handed the site back to ABP. We are now working on plans for the future of the site and hope to know more detail in the coming months. We have recently offered the opportunity to Cllr Bogle to come and visit the site and to talk us about future plans and we hope she will take up the offer. ABP works closely with Southampton City Council on a range of matters relating to the port and supporting the local economy and will keep them closely involved in the future of Solent Flour Mills as well.”