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Model showing future vision officially unveiled
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A CONTROVERSIAL model presenting a future vision of Southampton was last night unveiled as the centrepiece of an exhibition that is costing taxpayers £117,000 to stage.
The 3-D creation, ironically made in south coast rival Portsmouth, is intended to show the major developments that will shape the cityscape in coming years.
Design industry chiefs, civic leaders, dignitaries and other guests, gathered to catch a first glimpse of the £60,000 model that measures 5.5m by 4m and is at the heart of the exhibition dubbed City Vision Southampton.
It was assembled under the stairs in the City Art Gallery where it will be on public show for two years.
The exhibition also features a computer-generated flight simulator' style tour of the city.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE 'FLY-THROUGH
Among the flagship developments included, visitors were given a first glimpse of a futuristic concept for Southampton Central Station, featuring a see-through domed canopy.
Council planners, who revived the concept for the new exhibition from a four-year-old study, reckon it could include 27,000 square metres of office space and 430 flats, and bring up to 1,400 jobs to the city.
Paul Grover, from the Solent Centre for Architecture and Design, which spearheaded the new exhibition, declared it would represent a "living, breathing, changing" representation of Southampton and its future.
He said it would allow architects and developers to showcase the projects that will change the face of Southampton.
The Southampton Partnership, an unelected group of business and community leaders, agreed to fund it with cash previously allocated by the South East England Development Agency to fire lasers from the Civic Centre clock tower.
Partnership chairman Ros Cassy insisted the model was "terrific" and worth every penny.
"It's a superb model that will raise the profile of the city," she told guests. "It will be an attraction for residents and visitors and will help to make people more aware of the gallery and it's wonderful collection."
She said the model needed to be seen as working "economic development tool" and said it had already attracted "significant interest".
READ WHAT MATT SMITH THOUGHT OF THE MODEL
7:28am Thursday 22nd May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Alvin, Winchester on 7:59am Thu 22 May 08
Well I feel inspired............
Well I feel inspired............
Posted by: Alvin, Winchester on 8:04am Thu 22 May 08
And one more thing, what has Business Southampton and Soton Partnership achieved apart from putting up some signs and producing a model for under the stairs in the civic centre?
And one more thing, what has Business Southampton and Soton Partnership achieved apart from putting up some signs and producing a model for under the stairs in the civic centre?
Posted by: Thomas Downes, So'ton on 8:09am Thu 22 May 08
for £117000 they could have painted it
for £117000 they could have painted it
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 8:30am Thu 22 May 08
If the Tories are serious about cutting Council Tax they MUST stop these follies from wasting even more money. The time has come to draw the line under this constant wasteful spending. It's totally immoral and just lines the pockets of the gravy-trainers who are milking the tax payer dry.
If the Tories are serious about cutting Council Tax they MUST stop these follies from wasting even more money. The time has come to draw the line under this constant wasteful spending. It's totally immoral and just lines the pockets of the gravy-trainers who are milking the tax payer dry.
Posted by: Benny Basler, Soton on 8:31am Thu 22 May 08
Is there an ice rink on it?
Is there an ice rink on it?
Posted by: hmm on 8:32am Thu 22 May 08
Where is this South ampton and Ports Mouth?
Where is this South ampton and Ports Mouth?
Posted by: baggy faced berk!, southampton on 8:50am Thu 22 May 08
WOW.............
Posted by: Iain, Lordshill on 8:53am Thu 22 May 08
On the bright side, they appear to have knocked down my office. Which is a good thing.
On the bright side, they appear to have knocked down my office. Which is a good thing.
Posted by: local on 9:15am Thu 22 May 08
It's all very well saying that you're going to do something, but the West Quay phase 3 site has been derelict for 15 years or so with little progress, Tyrell and Green has been empty for 8 years, and the site where Mayflower Plaza is meant to go has been derelict for as long as I can remember. So we might expect the Southampton Central station scheme in 2050?
It's all very well saying that you're going to do something, but the West Quay phase 3 site has been derelict for 15 years or so with little progress, Tyrell and Green has been empty for 8 years, and the site where Mayflower Plaza is meant to go has been derelict for as long as I can remember. So we might expect the Southampton Central station scheme in 2050?
Posted by: moominpapa, in the trees on 9:45am Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]local[/bold] wrote:
It's all very well saying that you're going to do something, but the West Quay phase 3 site has been derelict for 15 years or so with little progress, Tyrell and Green has been empty for 8 years, and the site where Mayflower Plaza is meant to go has been derelict for as long as I can remember. So we might expect the Southampton Central station scheme in 2050?[/quote] yes but the spave under the stairs is now filled, its a start.
local wrote:
It's all very well saying that you're going to do something, but the West Quay phase 3 site has been derelict for 15 years or so with little progress, Tyrell and Green has been empty for 8 years, and the site where Mayflower Plaza is meant to go has been derelict for as long as I can remember. So we might expect the Southampton Central station scheme in 2050?
yes but the spave under the stairs is now filled, its a start.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 9:46am Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Condor Man[/bold] wrote:
If the Tories are serious about cutting Council Tax they MUST stop these follies from wasting even more money. The time has come to draw the line under this constant wasteful spending. It's totally immoral and just lines the pockets of the gravy-trainers who are milking the tax payer dry.[/quote] You are absolutely right. But sadly our so-called Council works like ‘Yes Minister’ comedy. It is not run by elected members but by pen pushing fat cats called officers. Change of political leadership only changes the sound bites, but hidden bureaucratic agenda remains the same. That is why more damage has been done to our city by our Council than the Germans did during the war. By the look of it not only my generation will certainly die in this building site called Southampton, but our young ones will also do the same.
Condor Man wrote:
If the Tories are serious about cutting Council Tax they MUST stop these follies from wasting even more money. The time has come to draw the line under this constant wasteful spending. It's totally immoral and just lines the pockets of the gravy-trainers who are milking the tax payer dry.
You are absolutely right. But sadly our so-called Council works like ‘Yes Minister’ comedy. It is not run by elected members but by pen pushing fat cats called officers. Change of political leadership only changes the sound bites, but hidden bureaucratic agenda remains the same. That is why more damage has been done to our city by our Council than the Germans did during the war. By the look of it not only my generation will certainly die in this building site called Southampton, but our young ones will also do the same.
Posted by: Gozza, Southampton on 9:49am Thu 22 May 08
[quote]Partnership chairman Ros Cassy insisted the model was "terrific" and worth every penny[/quote] Then she can pay for it and we can have our £117000 back.
The council should be focusing on getting the basics right - public transport, fixing some roads, stuff like that - before they waste thousands supporting exhibitions which seem to be only benefitting commercial organisations.
Partnership chairman Ros Cassy insisted the model was "terrific" and worth every penny
Then she can pay for it and we can have our £117000 back.
The council should be focusing on getting the basics right - public transport, fixing some roads, stuff like that - before they waste thousands supporting exhibitions which seem to be only benefitting commercial organisations.
Posted by: Captain Birdseye, Soton on 9:56am Thu 22 May 08
I want to make this clear. The council didn't pay a penny for this. It has not come from council tax.
We are NOT responisble for the partnership.
No party can stop the partnership spending money on models- not Labour, not the Lib Dems and not the Tories.
I want to make this clear. The council didn't pay a penny for this. It has not come from council tax.
We are NOT responisble for the partnership.
No party can stop the partnership spending money on models- not Labour, not the Lib Dems and not the Tories.
Posted by: Julia, Central on 10:21am Thu 22 May 08
I saw this when going to the library it is quite poor, it is dark grey and very difficult to see . Others should take a trip and see this as to me it is very not inspiring . I have seen better and more eye catching models in schools. I do on the other hand see what is may be supposed to achieve , but sadly it does not as i cannot imagine people lining up to see our "grey wow factor under the stairs" . Google earth is free and so much better.
I saw this when going to the library it is quite poor, it is dark grey and very difficult to see . Others should take a trip and see this as to me it is very not inspiring . I have seen better and more eye catching models in schools. I do on the other hand see what is may be supposed to achieve , but sadly it does not as i cannot imagine people lining up to see our "grey wow factor under the stairs" . Google earth is free and so much better.
Posted by: Gozza, Confused on 10:30am Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Captain Birdseye[/bold] wrote:
I want to make this clear. The council didn't pay a penny for this. It has not come from council tax. We are NOT responisble for the partnership. No party can stop the partnership spending money on models- not Labour, not the Lib Dems and not the Tories.[/quote] So why does the Echo story say...[quote]an exhibition that is costing taxpayers £117,000 to stage[/quote] ?
Captain Birdseye wrote:
I want to make this clear. The council didn't pay a penny for this. It has not come from council tax. We are NOT responisble for the partnership. No party can stop the partnership spending money on models- not Labour, not the Lib Dems and not the Tories.
So why does the Echo story say...
an exhibition that is costing taxpayers £117,000 to stage
?
Posted by: Peter Cooper, Soton city Centre on 10:51am Thu 22 May 08
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.
Posted by: Peter Cooper, Soton city Centre on 10:51am Thu 22 May 08
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 10:56am Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Peter Cooper[/bold] wrote:
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.[/quote] what a great idea. Move the coach station over to Bletchyden Terrace next to the train station. The Polish coach drops off at Wyndham Court 9 times a week, surely it's time to have a coach station next to where all the buses come. Too sensible for lefty council to understand.
Peter Cooper wrote:
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.
what a great idea. Move the coach station over to Bletchyden Terrace next to the train station. The Polish coach drops off at Wyndham Court 9 times a week, surely it's time to have a coach station next to where all the buses come. Too sensible for lefty council to understand.
Posted by: Nigel on 11:07am Thu 22 May 08
I saw the exhibition yesterday and also heard the comments from groups of young school children who were paasing through to the gallery.'Amazing', 'Cool', 'Wow' were just some of the comments, coming from youngsters, who are possibly the future of the City. Ok, it's not a multi coloured model, I am sure that would have cost more and it's under the stairs, perhaps there was no where else to put it long term; but it's a chance for anyone who's interested in their City, to finally see what's going on and what's being planned! Just listen to the children - they have unbiased views!
I saw the exhibition yesterday and also heard the comments from groups of young school children who were paasing through to the gallery.'Amazing', 'Cool', 'Wow' were just some of the comments, coming from youngsters, who are possibly the future of the City. Ok, it's not a multi coloured model, I am sure that would have cost more and it's under the stairs, perhaps there was no where else to put it long term; but it's a chance for anyone who's interested in their City, to finally see what's going on and what's being planned! Just listen to the children - they have unbiased views!
Posted by: I know the truth, Southampton on 11:16am Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Gozza[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Captain Birdseye[/bold] wrote: I want to make this clear. The council didn't pay a penny for this. It has not come from council tax. We are NOT responisble for the partnership. No party can stop the partnership spending money on models- not Labour, not the Lib Dems and not the Tories.[/quote] So why does the Echo story say...[quote]an exhibition that is costing taxpayers £117,000 to stage[/quote] ?[/quote] Because....
The Echo cant understand the difference...
The money for this project came rom the failed laser light display and comes directly from SEEDA - as in from governmnet not through local taxiation etc....
But of course this concept of different types of taxation is beyond this paper..
Gozza wrote:
Captain Birdseye wrote: I want to make this clear. The council didn't pay a penny for this. It has not come from council tax. We are NOT responisble for the partnership. No party can stop the partnership spending money on models- not Labour, not the Lib Dems and not the Tories.
So why does the Echo story say...an exhibition that is costing taxpayers £117,000 to stage
?
Because....
The Echo cant understand the difference...
The money for this project came rom the failed laser light display and comes directly from SEEDA - as in from governmnet not through local taxiation etc....
But of course this concept of different types of taxation is beyond this paper..
Posted by: Paul, Southampton on 11:33am Thu 22 May 08
Is doesn't matter what form of taxation the funds have come from, the money has still come from taxpayers, unless any charitable donations were included.
All government money, be it local or national, comes from taxpayers!
Is doesn't matter what form of taxation the funds have come from, the money has still come from taxpayers, unless any charitable donations were included.
All government money, be it local or national, comes from taxpayers!
Posted by: luke, eastleigh on 11:55am Thu 22 May 08
well i think its cool. i dont care what the echo think. i say well done for doing something and not just critising everything like the tabloid journo's do!!
well i think its cool. i dont care what the echo think. i say well done for doing something and not just critising everything like the tabloid journo's do!!
Posted by: bekki, Soton on 12:33pm Thu 22 May 08
What a load of toss!!
When can we have the roads in Bedford Place sorted please?? and can i get a refund also - ta.
What a load of toss!!
When can we have the roads in Bedford Place sorted please?? and can i get a refund also - ta.
Posted by: boring, boring on 12:49pm Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Paramjit Bahia[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Condor Man[/bold] wrote: If the Tories are serious about cutting Council Tax they MUST stop these follies from wasting even more money. The time has come to draw the line under this constant wasteful spending. It\'s totally immoral and just lines the pockets of the gravy-trainers who are milking the tax payer dry.[/quote] You are absolutely right. But sadly our so-called Council works like ‘Yes Minister’ comedy. It is not run by elected members but by pen pushing fat cats called officers. Change of political leadership only changes the sound bites, but hidden bureaucratic agenda remains the same. That is why more damage has been done to our city by our Council than the Germans did during the war. By the look of it not only my generation will certainly die in this building site called Southampton, but our young ones will also do the same. [/quote] zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..
...soap box......zzzzzzz
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Condor Man wrote: If the Tories are serious about cutting Council Tax they MUST stop these follies from wasting even more money. The time has come to draw the line under this constant wasteful spending. It\'s totally immoral and just lines the pockets of the gravy-trainers who are milking the tax payer dry.
You are absolutely right. But sadly our so-called Council works like ‘Yes Minister’ comedy. It is not run by elected members but by pen pushing fat cats called officers. Change of political leadership only changes the sound bites, but hidden bureaucratic agenda remains the same. That is why more damage has been done to our city by our Council than the Germans did during the war. By the look of it not only my generation will certainly die in this building site called Southampton, but our young ones will also do the same.
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..
...soap box......zzzzzzz
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 12:54pm Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Condor Man[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Peter Cooper[/bold] wrote: Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.[/quote] what a great idea. Move the coach station over to Bletchyden Terrace next to the train station. The Polish coach drops off at Wyndham Court 9 times a week, surely it's time to have a coach station next to where all the buses come. Too sensible for lefty council to understand.[/quote] Hey come on...Since when Cllr.Alec Sammuel has become a lefty? If he reads it he will be offended.
Or could it be that you are still refering to the two headed beast of Bridle and Vinson? If so you will be wrong again. Lib-Dems are certainly sugar coated Tories and New Labour happen to be another name for Thatcherism...
Condor Man wrote:
Peter Cooper wrote: Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.
what a great idea. Move the coach station over to Bletchyden Terrace next to the train station. The Polish coach drops off at Wyndham Court 9 times a week, surely it's time to have a coach station next to where all the buses come. Too sensible for lefty council to understand.
Hey come on...Since when Cllr.Alec Sammuel has become a lefty? If he reads it he will be offended.
Or could it be that you are still refering to the two headed beast of Bridle and Vinson? If so you will be wrong again. Lib-Dems are certainly sugar coated Tories and New Labour happen to be another name for Thatcherism...
Posted by: Robert on 12:57pm Thu 22 May 08
I see that Ros Cassy still has her hype control stuck in FULL mode.
I see that Ros Cassy still has her hype control stuck in FULL mode.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 1:22pm Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Peter Cooper[/bold] wrote:
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.[/quote] Sadly it is all about the profits for so called property developers in our city. Unfortunately there is hardly anything for the ordinary citizens of Southampton.
Proper transport system that Peter has mentioned is desirable. But glorified cowboy builders known as property developers do not use the public transport nor many others in their rich class does. Because Bently boys and Rolls riders have choppers they will be thinking of hali pads rather then bus coach and train stations.
Peter Cooper wrote:
Is that it? Where`s the transport interchange. Bus station, Coach station and Railway Station all together on the same site.Property developers getting their own way to make loads of profit as usual.
Sadly it is all about the profits for so called property developers in our city. Unfortunately there is hardly anything for the ordinary citizens of Southampton.
Proper transport system that Peter has mentioned is desirable. But glorified cowboy builders known as property developers do not use the public transport nor many others in their rich class does. Because Bently boys and Rolls riders have choppers they will be thinking of hali pads rather then bus coach and train stations.
Posted by: James, St Marys on 5:47pm Thu 22 May 08
The model seems to have cost quite a lot , maybe the council should have put some kind of competition forward as many model makers live in Southampton rather than have it built in Portsmouth. Why turn your back on local talent? A similar thing happened when they commissioned a new sign for Southampton in that they choose to give the work to a Bristol based company. The idea behind the model seems correct in that it may help people understand future development but it seems that some people are already so against wanting to understand . To take a shot at peoperty developers is a cheap jab, as cheap as saying all MP's are on curupt. I hope this model will help bring a boost to the Southampton economy and proove the negativaty wrong.
The model seems to have cost quite a lot , maybe the council should have put some kind of competition forward as many model makers live in Southampton rather than have it built in Portsmouth. Why turn your back on local talent? A similar thing happened when they commissioned a new sign for Southampton in that they choose to give the work to a Bristol based company. The idea behind the model seems correct in that it may help people understand future development but it seems that some people are already so against wanting to understand . To take a shot at peoperty developers is a cheap jab, as cheap as saying all MP's are on curupt. I hope this model will help bring a boost to the Southampton economy and proove the negativaty wrong.
Posted by: steve, southampton on 5:54pm Thu 22 May 08
James i read that the model is made by cnc milling machines and not people. I expect it would take years to make by hand and wouldnt be accurate like the model, but to be honest i dont reallymind if it was made in portsmouth or london really as long as its british! Its pretty impressive. I really do hope the council make sure its updated and not left. if they do i fully support the idea.
James i read that the model is made by cnc milling machines and not people. I expect it would take years to make by hand and wouldnt be accurate like the model, but to be honest i dont reallymind if it was made in portsmouth or london really as long as its british! Its pretty impressive. I really do hope the council make sure its updated and not left. if they do i fully support the idea.
Posted by: claus entum, bridewell on 7:56pm Thu 22 May 08
[quote][bold]Nigel[/bold] wrote:
I saw the exhibition yesterday and also heard the comments from groups of young school children who were paasing through to the gallery.\'Amazing\', \'Cool\', \'Wow\' were just some of the comments, coming from youngsters, who are possibly the future of the City. Ok, it\'s not a multi coloured model, I am sure that would have cost more and it\'s under the stairs, perhaps there was no where else to put it long term; but it\'s a chance for anyone who\'s interested in their City, to finally see what\'s going on and what\'s being planned! Just listen to the children - they have unbiased views![/quote] they're only making plans for nigel
Nigel wrote:
I saw the exhibition yesterday and also heard the comments from groups of young school children who were paasing through to the gallery.\'Amazing\', \'Cool\', \'Wow\' were just some of the comments, coming from youngsters, who are possibly the future of the City. Ok, it\'s not a multi coloured model, I am sure that would have cost more and it\'s under the stairs, perhaps there was no where else to put it long term; but it\'s a chance for anyone who\'s interested in their City, to finally see what\'s going on and what\'s being planned! Just listen to the children - they have unbiased views!
they're only making plans for nigel
Posted by: Mike, So'ton on 8:12pm Thu 22 May 08
Nobody has mentioned the amount of green spaces built on in this proposal. Also several major roads around the station seem to have disappeared.
I suspect that we'll get a trickle of half hearted projects go ahead (slowly) esp. with the current economic outlook.
Nobody has mentioned the amount of green spaces built on in this proposal. Also several major roads around the station seem to have disappeared.
I suspect that we'll get a trickle of half hearted projects go ahead (slowly) esp. with the current economic outlook.
Posted by: you gottabekidding, southampton on 10:44pm Thu 22 May 08
[bold]AND HERES ONE WE MADE EARLIER ![/bold] STICKY BACK TAPE & EMPTY CEREAL BOXES ,USE SOME P.V.A.GLUE & PAINT IT GREY, WOW THATS GOT TO BE WORTH £117,000 , I JUST FINISHED MAKING MY OWN IDENTICLE ONE & JUST PUT IT ON EBAY , SO FAR IT'S HAD 1 BID & IT'S ON 37 PENCE , DO HOPE I GET NEAR THE SAME PRICE AS THE £117,000 MODEL.
fingers crossed eh !
AND HERES ONE WE MADE EARLIER ! STICKY BACK TAPE & EMPTY CEREAL BOXES ,USE SOME P.V.A.GLUE & PAINT IT GREY, WOW THATS GOT TO BE WORTH £117,000 , I JUST FINISHED MAKING MY OWN IDENTICLE ONE & JUST PUT IT ON EBAY , SO FAR IT'S HAD 1 BID & IT'S ON 37 PENCE , DO HOPE I GET NEAR THE SAME PRICE AS THE £117,000 MODEL.
fingers crossed eh !
Posted by: ted, london on 1:11pm Fri 23 May 08
yougottabekidding - what a stupid comment! go on i dare you, make an exact copy of the model from cereal boxes and glue, how long would that take eh!idiot - what have you ever done to help doing something for the city! now off you pop to the dole office young man!
yougottabekidding - what a stupid comment! go on i dare you, make an exact copy of the model from cereal boxes and glue, how long would that take eh!idiot - what have you ever done to help doing something for the city! now off you pop to the dole office young man!
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