New community vision for Eling Wharf outlined

The owners of Eling Wharf have outlined their vision for the 40-acre site, which is currently contaminated with arsenic and other industrial toxins.

Old buildings and unsightly containers visible from the Eling Quay conservation area could disappear forever if the scheme goes ahead.

Consultants Barton Willmore are considering a combination of uses, including employment, leisure and residential. A doctor’s surgery and a waterfront walk are among draft proposals for the former tar distillery.

However, pollutants that have built up over the past 150 years will have to be removed before any redevelopment can take place.

Winchester-based Burt Boulton Holdings (BBH), which has owned the site since the 19th century, has already begun a major cleanup operation.

As reported in the Daily Echo, New Forest District Council has told the company to decontaminate Eling Wharf and the neighbouring foreshore, part of which has been sealed off since 2006 to protect the public.

BBH held an informal meeting with Totton councillors to outline their development proposals for the wharf and gauge the reaction.

Cllr David Harrison said: “As usually happens at such unveilings there was talk of high quality design and even landmark buildings.

“Development of the site is long overdue and I’m generally supportive of the proposals, subject to the contamination issue being properly dealt with.”

Cllr Harrison referred to a debate that took place at the district council’s Cabinet meeting in July.

He said: “The council should have formally declared the area a polluted site. However, they declined to do so and have chosen to work with the company to ensure matters are sorted out.”

BBH director Craig Lowery said the company was preparing a development brief but declined to further comment, saying the proposals were still being finalised.

A council spokesman said the completed document was likely to be published later this year.