The Mayflower Quarter has taken its first steps on its journey to regeneration with the announcement of the appointment of specialist masterplanners, AR Urbanism. The urban design agency’s impressive portfolio and extensive experience of delivering similar large-scale projects led to the submission of a successful bid to secure the contract with Southampton City Council. Working with the Local Authority, other key stakeholders and residents, their plan will be drawn up over the next twelve months.

Previous involvement with other Local Authorities, including many London Boroughs, made the placemaking company the best placed organisation to deliver on the wide reaching demands of what will be one of the largest city centre regeneration areas in the UK. The 84 hectare site, extending from Southampton train station to the waterfront, will be a pivotal step in the city becoming a global destination. The development will provide world class facilities for businesses, alongside city centre homes and leisure opportunities. Areas of premium public realm will be key to the mixed use re-development, which will also re-connect an area of prime waterfront with the city centre.

AR Urbanism’s impressive list of accolades include a joint 1st prize in a national competition for an alternative masterplan for the high profile Paddington Place scheme in London. Another of their proposals was recently shortlisted for an RIBA national design competition for the regeneration of a dockyard site in Hull.

Amanda Reynolds, Director of AR Urbanism said: "We are delighted to be leading the team collaborating with the council on this exciting opportunity to transform the Mayflower Quarter. This project will be vital to secure the future prosperity of Southampton, better connecting the city centre to its waterfront and creating a sustainable new urban neighbourhood.”

Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Christopher Hammond said: “The regeneration of this area of the city will enhance our reputation not just as a port city, but as a destination city. This is a major opportunity for investors, developers and ultimately occupiers to become part of the success story that’s unfolding here. The Mayflower Quarter will leave a lasting legacy for Southampton which will benefit all who live in, work in, or visit this great city.”

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