7:19am Wednesday 24th March 2010
PLANS to breathe new life in to an historic part of Southampton’s waterfront have been waved through.
Councillors unanimously approved proposals to regenerate Itchen ferry foreshore and beach, resurface and lengthen the dilapidated slipway and install a new flood barrier.
The £50,000 scheme would also see the foreshore wall upgraded, the addition of street furniture and improvements to the memorial garden off Hazel Road. Once funding is secured, work is set to take place to clean the beach area above the high water mark and reseed habitat areas.
Meanwhile an adjacent bank of shingle, created by propeller wash from passing ships, is due to be levelled out.
The site has operated as a strategic location for river crossing since before the Middle Ages, but in more recent times became famous for its chain driven floating bridge. Since the construction of the Itchen Bridge, the land has been predominantly used for recreational activity.
Councillors gave their full backing to the regeneration project, a joint venture between Groundwork Solent, the City Parks and Cleansing Department and Southampton Amateur Rowing Club.
It was given the green light at the city council’s Planning and Rights of Way Panel. Cllr Carol Cunio said: “This is a treasured area because it is one of the few places we can get to the water and I would fully support this community led project.”
A Public Viewing of Plans and Photographs is to be held at Southampton Amateur Rowing Club, Hazel Road, Woolston, on Saturday between 10am and 1pm.
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