Demand for completion of project

11:33am Monday 30th June 2008

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BUSINESS leaders at a property and construction debate hosted by Business Southampton at the Rose Bowl demanded the flagship Admirals Quay development at Ocean Village be completed.

More than 60 city bosses, from firms such as property agents Savills and Vail Williams and law firm Blake Lapthorn Tarlo Lyons, discussed the future of the sector in the region.

Following presentations on the future development of the Rose Bowl, the debate focused around key topics including the future of Ocean Village, the impact of Swedish furniture giant Ikea on the city, encouraging inward investment and sustainability.

Work on the Admirals Quay development has been halted with two blocks of flats, including eight shops and bars key to the ultimate success of the project, left to be built while bosses at developer Wilson Bowden decide whether to sell it or abandon the project.

The debate also made comparisons between Portsmouth and Southampton and asked what plans the city has to challenge its rival.

Business Southampton chief executive Sally Lynskey said: "Businesses in the region clearly want to see developments like Ocean Village finished. We need to work in partnership for the greater good of the city and make South-ampton the number one choice for businesses south of London."

David Abraham, chairman of the recently formed Business Southampton Public Affairs Group, said the group would take action on the issues raised.

"The public affairs group will look to influence decisions that affect business in the region. We will, if appropriate, take issues all the way to Westminster and government," he said.