SEEDA launches Woolston Riverside development
29 July 2010The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), together with Crest Nicholson, hosted a ‘foundation laying’ ceremony yesterday to mark the official start of the £500 million Centenary Quay development at Woolston Riverside.
The event was opened by Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, and attended by representatives from the local community. The ceremony celebrated the commencement of the construction works, recognising the rich heritage associated with the site, and provided an opportunity to share the vision for the future of Centenary Quay.
The former Vosper Thorneycroft shipyard site is set to provide 1,620 new homes (of which 25% will be affordable), a Marine Employment Quarter, a foodstore, a range of mixed use office and retail spaces for businesses, a hotel, restaurants and cafes. The development is also expected to create up to 1,000 permanent new jobs.
Rob Douglas, SEEDA Chairman, commented:
“SEEDA worked with Southampton City Council to realise an ambitious vision for the former Woolston shipyard and we are delighted to see it begin to emerge, to create new homes and jobs. The City Council and SEEDA have invested significant resource to prepare the site to come to market and bring in key development partners to invest private funds in the neighborhood.
“It is great to have Crest Nicholson on board and we feel sure that even in these uncertain markets, all the work at the planning and design stages of the project, in addition to the upfront investment in making the site a viable development proposition, will deliver an exemplary scheme and provide an exciting new future for Woolston.
“SEEDA’s expertise and investment, alongside that of the Homes and Communities Agency, has generated the right conditions to attract investors and businesses alike. This will create a lasting legacy for the area.”
Chris Tinker, Regeneration Chairman from development partner, Crest Nicholson, added:
“This project is a fantastic example of partnership working between the public and private sectors. It has involved funding and commitment from SEEDA, the Homes and Community Agency, Southampton City Council, the Radian and Spectrum Housing Groups and Crest Nicholson.
“This strong collaboration between the public and private sectors has seen the acquisition of the site, the grant of Outline Planning, demolition, remediation and now the commencement of development all within an impressive six year timescale.
“I am delighted that the first phase of Centenary Quay has now commenced - which will deliver £6m new site-wide infrastructure, including the new spine roads and public realm, a decentralised energy system, 92 houses (44 affordable) and 76 apartments (15 affordable) all within the next two years.”
Sir Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive of the HCA, commented:
“This is a landmark development for Southampton, which will bring new and affordable homes, new economic opportunities and new employment to the community.
“We congratulate the partners on what will be a fantastic waterfront scheme and which is exemplary in so many ways. Future residents and the environment will benefit from lower emissions, with one of the largest district heating schemes in the south east planned for the site. The team has worked hard to create a sustainable place for people to live, work and play, and the regeneration of Centenary Quay shows what can be achieved by a strong public and private partnership.”
Lindsay Todd, Chief Executive of Radian, added:
“Radian is proud to have worked in partnership with Southampton City Council, Crest Nicholson and the Homes and Communities Agency to secure the funding for more than 400 new affordable homes in Woolston. I am confident that Centenary Quay will be a fantastic place to live and work, providing not only homes but shops, restaurants and community facilities. This will benefit the new residents and also the wider community across Southampton.”
Cllr Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council, concluded:
“I am delighted that the first phase of Centenary Quay, a key part of Southampton’s renaissance vision, is now underway. The council is committed to delivering strong and distinctive neighbourhoods - good places to live and is committed to encouraging and supporting growth in Southampton as a regional centre within a prosperous South Hampshire. This exciting development has started due to the funding and commitment of Southampton City Council, SEEDA, the Homes and Communities Agency, Spectrum and Radian Housing Associations and Crest Nicholson.”
Ends
Notes for editors
Crest Nicholson
Crest Nicholson is firmly established as a leading regeneration developer with a passion for not just building homes, but creating vibrant sustainable communities. The Company’s track record shows demonstrable commitment to delivering innovative, design led, residential developments and large scale, mixed use, urban regeneration solutions. Its ongoing emphasis on environmentally responsible housing and commitment to deliver truly low carbon sustainable schemes is evident by an ever increasing development portfolio.
Visit www.crestnicholson.com
The Homes and Communities Agency
The Homes and Communities Agency is the single, national housing and regeneration agency for England. The HCA’s role is to create opportunity for people to live in high quality, sustainable places. They provide funding for affordable housing, bring land back into productive use and improve qualityof life by raising standards for the physical and social environment.
For more information visit www.homesandcommunities.co.uk
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Tel: 01483 470155
