A PROTEST will be held in Southampton to demand access to the city's waterfront is given priority over the demands of developers.

Southampton Green Party is leading a musical walk with the theme ‘Love our Waterfront', from the Bargate to Mayflower Park, today.

Starting at 11.30am, the event encourages the public to have their say on what they value in the city's waterfront and what they would like to see in the future developments.

Party member Angela Mawle said: “The public anger at the loss of a short segment of waterside access at Centenary Quay is an indication of how much the people of Southampton value our waterside areas.

“Mayflower Park is an example of what we are losing.

“Instead of luxury flats and a sterile park dedicated to the boat show, we could have a community space giving everyone the chance to connect to the waterside and to enjoy the health and recreational benefits that it brings.

“We want to start a conversation about what type of development would truly benefit the people of Southampton and to ensure that our beautiful rivers and shorelines are loved and protected into the future.”

As previously reported by the Echo, plans went on show in 2015, revealing what Southampton's Royal Pier could look like in the future.

Under the proposals, the crumbling site would be transformed into a thriving £400m development with a casino, five-star hotel, gourmet market and hundreds of homes.

As part of the revamp, Mayflower Park would become the home of a 98ft-high monument to the iconic Spitfire aircraft, and be extended through the reclamation of land from the sea.

The park, which would also become the new home for the PSP Southampton Boat Show, would be expanded by 8,000sqm to about 50,500sqm in size and feature a play area with an "interactive water feature", a games area, a timber boardwalk and a cafe.

Angela added: “Why are we not creating a magnificent tourist experience for tourists with Mayflower Park at its hub? There is so much to see and do and it would be a tremendous boost to Southampton's economy.

“In partnership with the people, community groups, and seeking other funding streams through Heritage Tourism Lottery and philanthropic sources, we could do it.

“Help us show our love for the waterfront and our city by working together to make it happen.”