Residents have had their say on council plans to redevelop Portswood Broadway.

This is after Southampton City Council launched a consultation in November 2022 to partly pedestrianise the Broadway, with the aim of reducing traffic, improving air quality, and creating a green space.

The planned redevelopment has polarised residents and business owners, with the second stage of the consultation allowing people to voice their opinions during sessions outside Trago Lounge on Portswood Road.

In a poll by the Echo which received 2,866 votes, 73 per cent said the plans are ‘absolutely’ a good idea. Meanwhile, 24 per cent disagreed, voting ‘no, not at all’.

Only three per cent of those who voted are unsure if the plans are good or not.

During a drop-in session on Monday evening, Ron Meldrum attended the event – on behalf of his partner, Green Party councillor Katherine Barbour. She previously stated the proposed redevelopment had “potential to be exciting.”

Mr Meldrum, 71, told the Echo: “This is very important, that’s why I’m here to listen to people’s point of view.

Daily Echo:

“We do welcome ideas that reduce the CO2 outlook of Southampton.

“We have asked that question – what will be the CO2 reduction of the scheme? Because nobody’s done those calculations.

“The world has to reduce its CO2 output by five per cent and we don’t see any evidence that Southampton is doing that – but if you can reduce the amount of traffic, you’ll definitely improve air quality in the area.

READ MORE: Portswood Broadway - Second phase of plans revealed

He added: “Why would anyone want to go shopping somewhere that’s gridlocked?

“If the goal is to make Portswood High Street a more attractive place to come, then it’s a good scheme.

“But it might end up marginalizing certain groups of people and that’s the balancing act.”

Alastair Rhodes, 58, who lives in Portswood, told the Echo: “I’m a scooterist, and the number of potholes in Southampton is disgusting.

“Why don’t the council spend the money there? If it’s about the climate – get rid of the bloody cruise liners from our ports that are polluting this city.

“I used to come through here when we had shops but now it’s just takeaways and Turkish barber shops.”

Daily Echo:

Neil Kelly, 70, selected candidate for the Green Party in the local elections next May, added: “If you see what this place is going to look like when it’s finished, it’s going to be far more attractive.

“There’s a lot to weigh up – but if the redevelopment happens there’s going to be a vast area free of car pollution.

“I think on the whole, it seems to me to be good.”