Town Quay: 1,000 new Southampton jobs in development

Town Quay could be revitalised as Nicolas James Group plans to inject £200 million into creating a world-class waterfront.

The plans include multiple restaurants, food halls, a large new marina, 500 new apartments, and a new landmark hotel with bar, conference, and spa facilities.

The hotel will be part of the Group’s latest brand ‘THE NICI’ - which already boasts a five-star hotel in Bournemouth.

A total of 14,000sqft of publicly-accessible waterfront will be created - the equivalent of two football pitches.

The marina will also be moved and extended to create space for the proposed structures.

READ MORE: A 9-storey hotel and three tower blocks - Builder's vision for destination waterfront

It is predicted that the development will create 1,000 new jobs across 40 units including shops, bars and restaurants. It is set to bring millions of pounds into the city, should it be approved.

Nicolas Roach, who owns the company, said that it's "time to stop talking Southampton down" and said he has fond memories of Southampton as a young man.

"People always talk Southampton down," he said.

"It's time to talk Southampton up, it's as simple as that.

"We need to get everybody to join in and we can lift this city."

CGI of the proposal (Image: Nicholas James Group)

He added: "At the heart of this, which is the most important thing, is public access to the waterfront in Southampton.

"That is why we're doing it and that means public access in the hotel, bars and restaurants, but it means people coming down for walks, days out, lunch, walking around the waterfront.

"The whole point of this is to give Southampton a proper public waterfront."

The development will see the existing Red Funnel Ferry terminal moved and a water taxi service will also be in place at Town Quay.

Mr Roach added: "Nicholas James Group are property investors so we don't sell on the sites.

"We build them and then we operate them afterwards - we leave our money in the city."

Nicolas James Group will share its early proposals with residents at public exhibitions on Friday, July 7, between 3pm and 7pm and on Saturday, July 8, between 10.30am and 1.30pm.

The exhibitions will take place at the Harbour House building, at the entrance of Town Quay.

Town Quay, Southampton, as it is now. (Image: Consult Communication)

The leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Satvir Kaur, said: “As a council, we have followed these plans as they have progressed.

"I welcome that the developers have committed to making the most of our waterfront, with more public access.

"These developing plans are exciting, creating a world-class waterfront destination is what Southampton needs, which in turn will help to grow our local economy and create local jobs.

"I remain keen to see these plans progress and maximising opportunities it could bring to our city.”