An internationally renowned consultancy firm has been appointed to lead plans for new development in Southampton.
Prior + Partners, which has supported councils in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol, has been announced as the lead partner for the council's Southampton Renaissance Masterplan.
The Renaissance Board will work alongside the 90-strong consortium to put a spotlight on the city's prospects for investment and deliver strategies to create a "long-lasting legacy of prosperity for all".
The work is the first stage in a longer-term programme for planning and delivering new development in the city with Prior + Partners being picked from a pool of over 25 applicants.
The urban planning department, based in London work across a number of disciplines to unlock the potential of places and communities and have led some of the UK’s most complex regeneration projects.
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Prior + Partner’s wider team includes The Place Bureau who will support a creative programme of engagement, viability and property specialists Newsteer, civil engineering and mobility experts Civic Engineers, and Stockdale as cost consultants.
Cllr Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “Southampton’s people can be proud of our city, it has internationally renowned maritime, medical, education, and professional services and is regarded as a hub for innovation and emerging technologies.
"It sits at the heart of the £2 billion Solent Freeport; it is the UK’s biggest port and Europe’s no.1 cruise port.
"Its universities support graduate start-ups and spin-out companies, and it has an international culture that hosts sports, festivals, music, and other events all year round.
"The Southampton Renaissance Board will capitalise on the opportunities within these wide-ranging investment interests and provide the support needed to deliver them for Southampton.”
Landowners, major employers, and both universities are all members on the Southampton Renaissance Board which the council says it working to make Southampton an "ambitious, proud, pioneering, global destination".
The Masterplan is aimed at showcasing the city's regeneration momentum with the Bargate Quarter scheme restarting soon to deliver new homes, commercial space and a spotlight on the North Wall in 2026.
The University of Southampton has also appointed Kier Southampton to begin the delivery of the North East Quadrant development on their Highfield Campus.
Chapel Riverside is also expected to complete its final phase with planning consent set tp be granted for a new ‘co-living’ scheme at Royal Crescent Way.
Jason Prior, Chief Executive Officer at Prior + Partners said: ‘’Southampton has played an extraordinary role in our nation’s history, with the City’s significance continuing today through its amazing location on the south coast, the remarkable working port, along with its leading role in supporting education, innovation and enterprise.
"Our team are incredibly privileged to play a role in the continuation of Southampton’s powerful story, and we look forward to working with the local community and esteemed representatives of the Southampton Renaissance Board to unlock the full potential of what is one of Western Europe’s greatest waterfront opportunities.’’
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