By Natalia Forero, Local Democracy Reporter
The Townhill Park regeneration scheme could still be finished despite developers pulling out.
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Developers Drew Smith – now Countryside Partnership – had drawn up plans for the 250 homes across three plots at Townhill Park but then pulled out over fears the scheme wouldn’t be financially viable due to rising costs.
Image: SCC / LDRS
Also worried about the inability to meet the March 2026 deadline for government funding, the plots affected were two, nine and 10, on Meggeson Avenue, Rowlands Walk and Copse Road, respectively.
For the council to go ahead with the long-awaited development, it will now look to end the existing agreements covering the three plots.
The issue will be discussed at the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee today (Feb 1).
After that, plots two and nine will be transferred to the affordable homes framework which will see developers bid to build on the site in a mini-tender.
Abri Group, Hyde Group, Sovereign Housing Association and Stonewater Ltd are the housing providers who work with the council under the affordable housing framework (AHF).
Should approval be granted to transfer plots two and nine, they will become part of the first tranche of AHF-approved sites. Developers will be appointed by the end of 2024 after the release of a mini-tender in the summer of the same year.
With plot 10, Southampton City Council will progress with designs and appoint a developer using a traditional contract.
After considering several options for a permanent solution, the city council rejected the “do nothing” option due to their longstanding commitment to regenerating Townhill Park.
The budget has been reduced to £60 million from the previously agreed £144 million.
Previously
Contractor appointed for two Townhill Park housing schemes
New film ‘captures lived experience’ of Townhill Park community
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