Southampton Shopping Centre Demolition Well Underway

29 October 2013, 10:04 | Updated: 29 October 2013, 11:43

Work's now well underway on the demolition of the old East Street Shopping Centre in Southampton.

Once the demolition is completed, it will pave the way for a new 60,000 sq ft supermarket complex to be built. Morrisons has already signed up to lease the building, which will create over 400 new jobs in the city.

Two levels of parking will also be created above the new store to provide approximately 280 spaces for both food store shoppers and visitors to the city centre, with travelators linking the car park and the supermarket.
As part of the plans which will bring a new lease of life to the area, an open pedestrian link between Evans Street in St Mary's and East Street in the city centre will also be restored.  

This project forms part of Southampton City Council's City Centre Master Plan. It is part of the wider 'Heart of the City' VIP project, set to enhance the city centre, of which redevelopment of the East Street area is key. The plans are being managed by urban regeneration specialist Centros on behalf of the developer Arcadian Estates who will own the property.

John De Stefano, Chairman of Arcadian Estates said:

"We are delighted that demolition is under way on site and we are looking forward to delivering this exciting redevelopment for the city."

Councillor Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council (pictured) said:

"The start of this project further demonstrates the confidence that major private sector employers have in our city.  As a council we welcome the development which will bring with it much needed jobs for Southampton people. 

"The council works with its partners to do all it can to bring developments forward, and continues to drive investment into Southampton for the benefit of the city and region."

Further information about this project, and other Future Southampton projects is available here: http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/future.