RIVAL developers wanting to breathe new life into a rundown Southampton estate have unveiled their ideas for the £14m regeneration project.
Three bidders have been shortlisted by the city council to bulldoze Hinkler Parade and the surrounding area on the Thornhill estate to build new shops and more than 100 homes.
Some 17 shops – many of which are boarded up – and 38 homes, including a block of flats and maisonettes in Marston Road, will be ripped down.
Two developers and a housing association have been exhibiting their plans to change the image of the area, which were drawn up after consultation.
As part of the consultation process none of the organisations which have submitted plans have been identified.
Bruce Voss, the council’s estate regeneration boss, said they were asked to come up with schemes that would “act as a vibrant local centre and create a new heart to the community”.
The schemes feature a mix of affordable and private housing, with at least 30 per cent of the homes for families.
At least five commercial units are included, including a food store and community space which could incorporate council services such as a library and housing office.
Trixie Neilson, chairman of Thornhill Community Association, said: “It’s really exciting and everyone seems very positive about the schemes.”
She added: “It’s sad because people will have to give up their homes and businesses but it will be a vast improvement.
“People will get higher aspirations and want to improve the image of the area.”
Councillor Phil Williams, Cabinet member for housing, said: “We hope this project will improve the area and provide homes that everyone will want to live in.”
The council will use feedback from residents to pick a developer to take the scheme forward. Plans are likely to be submitted in the autumn.
Residents will be moved into a council home of their choice with the option of returning to Hinkler Parade after construction.
The council will part-fund the scheme by selling the land to its chosen developer. The scheme could be replicated across other city sites in coming years to build at least 1,000 new homes.
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