Cruise ship passengers could continue to use empty Leisure World site for carparking

The former Leisure World site in Southampton city centre could remain a car park for cruise passengers for another three years.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has applied to extend the existing temporary use, which is due to expire later this month.

The port operator previously sought a five-year permission to use the key development land in West Quay Road for car parking. However, members of Southampton City Council’s planning and rights of way panel decided to limit it to two years at a meeting in June 2024.

The site’s current use came about after a £250 million scheme featuring hundreds of homes, two hotels and a cinema failed to progress. ABP wants the permission to run until September 27, 2029.

A letter submitted as part of ABP’s extension application to Southampton City Council said no development plans had come forward which would require the land to be used for regeneration purposes in the near future.

The letter from Tom French, of Adams Hendry Consulting Ltd, said: “During the assessment of the application, members voted to amend this time period from five years to two years.

“Very little assessment or justification as to why a five-year permission would not have been acceptable was provided, being limited exclusively to the committee meeting minutes and the reason attached to the condition.”

Mr French’s letter said councillors provided no real reason for reducing the period from five years to two, with the condition stating a longer consent would “not be acceptable”.

Planning officers had recommended councillors approve the duration sought by ABP in a report to the panel meeting.

Bargate ward councillor and now council leader Sarah Bogle objected to the application, saying it would stall the redevelopment of the site. In her objection, she asked panel members to consider a shorter period.

On the extension request, Cllr Bogle told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We are in discussion with ABP about the future development of the Leisure World site as part of the broader renaissance vision master-planning for that area.

“This is again a request for temporary use, and a variation to the local plan for this site.

“I would prefer this moved to development as soon as is practicable, but I also recognise the challenges of delivery in major developments in our current economic climate.”

The site was in line for a £250m regeneration scheme after councillors approved outline plans in 2021 for 650 homes, two hotels, a cinema, casino, offices and public space.

However, the redevelopment stalled and ABP said in 2024 that the scheme was no longer viable in its approved form. Most of the former Leisure World complex was demolished later that year, leaving the site to operate as temporary cruise passenger parking.