Preferred developer chosen for Southampton’s Royal Pier Waterfront

25 February 2011

Southampton City Council has appointed a preferred developer for the South Coast’s most exciting waterfront opportunity, the Royal Pier Waterfront in Southampton.

Morgan Sindall Investments Limited (MSIL) is a leading project development and funding solutions company and is part of construction and regeneration group, Morgan Sindall Group plc.

The £450m Royal Pier Waterfront scheme was marketed in May last year and three developers were shortlisted in September. MSIL has been appointed by Southampton City Council in discussion with its partners The Crown Estate and Associated British Ports (ABP), who jointly own the site.

Councillor Royston Smith, Leader of Southampton City Council said:

“I am confident MSIL is the right company to bring Southampton’s waterfront back to life.

“MSIL is financially strong and will bring a large number of vital jobs to the city.

“They also have a good track record of working with councils delivering excellent developments.

“Despite the current financial climate Southampton continues to attract interest for developments in the city and the council is working hard to attract many more jobs for residents.

“I am confident MSIL will create a scheme that will place Southampton as one of the most dynamic waterfront cities in Europe, but also to create a legacy for the city of which everyone can be truly proud.”

Ernie Battey, Executive Chairman of MSIL said:

“We are delighted to have been selected as preferred developer for this major waterfront scheme. Being South Coast based and familiar with Southampton, I know how important it is to achieve an exciting and vibrant development for which we can all be proud.

“This key site provides the opportunity to position Southampton at the forefront of internationally recognised waterfront schemes and MSIL has the experience, knowledge and financial stability that will be crucial to its successful delivery.”

MSIL is currently working in partnership with Bournemouth Borough Council to redevelop Bournemouth town centre in a 20-year, circa £350m regeneration project. In Southampton, affordable housing and regeneration specialist Lovell, also part of the Morgan Sindall Group, has recently started work on a £30m project to deliver three estate regeneration schemes for Southampton City Council.

The Royal Pier Waterfront development is a key element of the city’s masterplan, which is currently being drawn up by David Lock Associates and will go to public consultation later in the year.

Image shows:Computer generated image of proposed development at Royal Pier Waterfront
Image copyright: Morgan Sindall Investments Limited (MSIL), part of the Morgan Sindall Group plc

For more information:

Contact: Emma Meredith, City Design Manager at Southampton City Council
Tel: 023 8083 4515
Email:emma.meredith@southampton.gov.uk

Or

Contact: Liz Coyle-Camp or Ragan Beale, of E=MC2 Public Relations Limited, on behalf of their client Morgan Sindall Group
Tel: 01747 871752
Email:liz@emc2publicrelations.com