The planning approval for the 255-home Meridian Waterside scheme in Southampton included important public realm improvements, such as the extension of a local park and the creation of a new waterfront walkway along the River Itchen. However, with one of the three blocks of flats still incomplete, the Southampton Commons and Parks Protection Society (SCAPPS) has raised concerns about the lack of progress on these promised public space enhancements.
Speaking at the recent court leet ceremony held at the Civic Centre, Graham Linecar of SCAPPS addressed the issue, highlighting the stalled work on the riverside path and green space.
Inland Homes, the original developer of the former Meridian site, went into administration some time ago. Although the planning permission clearly included the construction of a landscaped riverside path and public green space, no progress has been made on these key features. The site’s administrator arranged for an alternative developer to complete the remaining housing, but the riverfront path and green space improvements have yet to be started.
Mr. Linecar’s presentment called on the city council to clarify what steps they have taken—and plan to take—to ensure the delivery of this significant public realm enhancement. SCAPPS and other local stakeholders had believed these improvements were guaranteed as part of the planning permission.
The proposed walkway would run along the west bank of the River Itchen, starting just north of Northam Bridge and extending towards the Itchen Riverside Broadwalk.
Inland Homes entered administration two years ago with one of the three blocks of flats still unfinished. Last year, estate agent Savills was marketing the partially constructed Southern House with an asking price of £7 million. This building, anticipated to contain 104 apartments featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, remains covered in scaffolding and incomplete.
The entire regeneration project is taking place on the site formerly occupied by Meridian TV studios.
Mr. Linecar’s presentment regarding the riverside path issue will be reviewed by council leaders and is expected to receive a formal response in the coming months. He also questioned whether lessons have been learned about attaching effective conditions to planning permissions to prevent similar situations from arising in the future.
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