Portswood Broadway plans will make area ‘more attractive’

Supporters of the Portswood Broadway scheme have spoken of the benefits it will bring if approved.

It comes as the next phase of the scheme gets underway following the launch of the second consultation.

As part of this, Southampton City Council says it is keen to address concerns raised during the initial consultation last November when business owners came together to oppose the scheme.

High street 'needs investment' 

Chris Zardis (Image: Chris Zardis)

Chris Zardis, founder of Shop Local Southampton, said the council has shown that it has understood residents’ concerns.

He said: “Some thorough analysis has clearly been conducted.

“The images we have of the scheme show a safer, cleaner, greener and more attractive Portswood.

“Every time I was down the high street I'm reminded how much better it can and, with the positive results shown here, should be.

“I have always believed that increased walkability and improved public realm will benefit and not detriment traders.

“Concern for business with any change is understandable and it is reassuring to see independent economic analysis showing a five per cent uplift in trade after the scheme is implemented.”

Gurdeep Singh, a Portswood business owner, believes the pedestrianisation will make Portswood a place people want to stay.

“It’s worked well elsewhere and can be good for us here too,” he said.

Mr Singh was among those who attended a meeting at the Civic Centre on Tuesday, held by council leader Cllr Satvir Kaur.

The meeting explained the next stage of the scheme to business owners, and allowed them to discuss the plans.

Mr Singh said: “The high street needs investment, and I’m pleased there’s plans to make it a place where people want to stay, shop and spend their money.

“It was useful to have a meeting with the leader of council.

“As businesses we felt listened to and heard, sharing our priorities and how their plans can be adapted to also deal with issues we experience like crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We discussed improvements including increased CCTV and co-designed safer spaces which I’m very supportive of.”

'Potential to be exciting' 

Cllr Barbour (Image: Southampton City Council)

For Katherine Barbour, Green councillor for Portswood, there are a lot of positives to take away from the next phase.

But there are also potential issues that need to be considered.

Cllr Barbour said: “The consultation will allow people to express their views more easily than it did before. “The project team will gain a better understanding of the concerns of residents.

“The second phase has the potential to create revised schemes.

“For example, it is possible that the scheme will be implemented in a phased manner, and could be removed if it does not bring the benefits predicted.

“Portswood Broadway has the potential to be an exciting space for public events such as music, markets and more.

“But we are not satisfied it will reduce the amount of car traffic in the city, as no new bus routes are being proposed, and no park and ride is considered.

“I am keen on the travel hub. This will be a good addition to the Broadway especially if there is some secure bike parking as is being trialled in the city centre.”