THESE days it's difficult to imagine Southampton without Westquay, while 37 years ago it was a pipe dream that was unlikely to ever become a reality.

Thankfully it did, but the planning, development and construction wasn’t easy.

Here we explore nine things you may - or may not - know about how it came to be.


1. Planning and construction took around 15 years

After more than a decade of twists, turns, setbacks, and happy coincidences, the opening of Westquay became a reality.

In the mid-80s, an idea to create a premier shopping centre arose in response to out-of-town stores and the devastating prospect that John Lewis might move its Tyrrell & Green branch to Hedge End or Fareham.

Daily Echo: The shopping developement at West Quay Southampton. From the old city walls.

Having such a large retailer abandon Southampton could have sounded the death knell for the city as a major shopping destination.

Plans were constantly being drawn up and scrutinised for many years.


2. The site used was originally earmarked for industrial use

Initial plans for the Pirelli cable works site were for industrial use, but they were soon re-evaluated to suit retail purposes instead.

Daily Echo: Caption The West Quay development shoppinmg centre takes shape in the shadow of the old city walls

When developer Imry arrived on the scene, its proposals for the Pirelli site ran into trouble over how the new centre would be connected to Above Bar's existing shopping districts.


3. Building completed in phases to help with finances

It was difficult for Imry to raise the money needed for the new mall due to concerns that the new mall would compete with the existing stores instead of complementing them.

Daily Echo: West Quay Development site under construction

In response, it was decided that the project would be divided into phases, starting with the building of West Quay Retail Park.


4. Developers purchased Daily Echo site

Shortly after the city council bought out Pirelli’s long-term lease on its empty factory with money raised through the retail park development, the Daily Echo announced its move from Above Bar to Nursling on the edge of the city.

This serendipitous timing became the saving of the project.

Daily Echo: The Daily Echo Building in Above bar March 1996 (Malcolm Nethersole)

The developers bought the Daily Echo site which provided the link between Above Bar and the Pirelli site.

All the objections expressed by the property and retail world suddenly melted away.


5. Planning permission was granted in 1995

Outline planning permission for Westquay was granted in the summer of 1995 and by September 1997 work was underway to demolish the existing buildings, under the leadership of the new developer, Hammerson.


6. Construction included 437,000 bricks

A total of 437,000 bricks were used and as many as 13 tower cranes were being operated at one point.

At the height of construction work, 25,000 tonnes of concrete a month were being laid and 1,200 employees were on site.

Daily Echo: ...... New West Quay develepment shopping centre... getting close to the big opening in 28 days ... Vanessa Forster

About 15,000 cubic metres of crushed concrete from the demolition site were recycled for use on the development while 120,000 tonnes of evacuated material were removed. Rubble was taken to tips 50 miles away, involving 5,040 lorry loads.


7. Around 3,500 jobs were created at opening

Around 3,500 jobs were initially created for the official opening day which brought new shops to the city including John Lewis, clothing store USC and eaterie Cinnabon.


8. The grand opening took place on September 28, 2000

The shopping centre was finally opened on September 28, 2000, when then-Southampton mayor Peter Wakeford cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Daily Echo: West Quay Development site under construction

The shops rolled opened their shutters at 9,30am and by 11am, 17,500 shoppers had passed through the doors with 1,500 cars parked up.


9. The shopping centre cost £295 million.

A staggering 104,003 people visited the £295 million complex between 8am and 8pm on the day of opening.

Daily Echo: WEST QUAY DEV FINAL PREPARATIONS WITH JUST ONE DAY TO GO...#

The huge influx caused Westquay's car park machines to break down and refuse cash payments because they were filling up faster than they could be emptied.

Daily Echo:


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