A public consultation has opened on the University of Southampton’s proposed Wessex Lane Project, which would see around 1,100 new student bedrooms built.
Article continues after this message...
The proposals, now published online following a well-attended consultation event on Wednesday (Feb 25), form part of a pre-application process ahead of a formal planning submission.
The consultation is presented by the university along with its “preferred student housing provider”, the Aspire consortium, which provides operational and facilities management for student accommodation across the UK.
The plan provides what are described as three “vibrant student communities”, with the first centred around the currently boarded Grade II listed South Stoneham House, on the corner of Woodmill Lane.
South Stoneham House
South Stoneham House was previously used as student accommodation, and has reportedly remained vacant for more than 15 years – with concerns voiced in 2024 over its apparent “deterioration”. It sits alongside the site of the now demolished 17-storey South Stoneham Tower.
“Our masterplan strategy positions South Stoneham House as the development’s centrepiece through integrated design themes that honour its heritage significance,” says the university in consultation documents.
South Stoneham Tower before its demolition in 2022
The other two developments would replace the existing Connaught accommodation, designed around two “quads” to reflect a “traditional campus character”.
The university says that, according to independent analysis, the city faces a significant shortfall of purpose-built student accommodation across Southampton by 2031/32.
It says the consultation is an opportunity to “review and comment on our emerging design for the redevelopment of both our Connaught and Stoneham sites”, and that comments on all aspects of the proposals are welcomed – by March 12.
The information as a PDF is available from the university here. Comments can be made via a feedback form or emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.