PORTSWOOD CENTRE, SOUTHAMPTON SO17 2NH

PROJECT

The project proposed 507 student bedrooms across two well-designed buildings, alongside high-quality amenity spaces, flexible commercial floorspace and improvements to the public realm on Portswood Road.

APPROACH

Our approach was to establish an agreed, evidence led transport strategy early through scoping with Southampton City Council, grounded in a clear understanding of baseline conditions and the site’s strong accessibility by walking, cycling and public transport. This provided a robust basis for a car free, mixed use redevelopment, supported by a Transport Statement and Framework Travel Plan.

Working iteratively through several meetings with key stakeholders, the highway authority and the wider design team, we resolved the main frontage and operational constraints by agreeing practical, policy aligned access and servicing solutions, including an inset loading bay that protects pedestrian footway continuity and integrates with cycle provision on Portswood Road. When the scheme was subsequently refined, we prepared a focused Transport Statement Addendum to update trip generation and cycle parking while confirming that the car free approach, and the agreed access and servicing strategy, remained unchanged and continued to deliver a substantial net reduction in vehicle trips compared with the existing shopping centre use.

OUTCOME

Planning permission granted on 16 December 2025.