PLANS to turn Southampton's Guildhall Square into the heart of a new cultural quarter are being unveiled today.
Civic chiefs hope the transformation would trigger a cultural renaissance that would put Southampton on the map with a dedicated arts district like European cities such as Paris and Barcelona. It would be expected to attract visitors from across the south coast.
Designers want the remodelled square to become an exciting public space linking the Guildhall to a proposed new £13m arts centre and flagship £50m apartment towers.
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) has earmarked up to £6.35m for the project, including £4.6m for Guildhall Square.
Senior development executive Jane Pearson said: "Major investment in the revitalisation of Southampton's principal civic space, Guildhall Square, will act as a major catalyst for the renaissance of Northern Above Bar as the city's flagship arts and cultural quarter, firmly establishing Southampton as a regional cultural centre."
Councillor Royston Smith, Cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, added: "This is an area that has perhaps been under-utilised in the past and now we have a chance to turn it into a centre of excellence for culture and the arts.
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"If and when the overall development is complete it will no doubt be a significant attraction for people from across Southampton and the south."
Work on the square could begin by November next year with completion in autumn 2009.
The area encompasses the Guildhall, City Art Gallery, Central Library, The Mayflower theatre and Southampton Solent University.
Work would include the pedestrianisation of West Marlands Road and narrowing and restricting Above Bar Street to buses and taxis to allow the square to extend from the steps of the Guildhall to the former Tyrrell and Green building. The road would cross the square on a flush surface.
Separate plans were submitted this month to demolish the derelict department store to make way for an arts centre, and 282 flats in two 15-storey apartment towers.
The square would also be repaved with natural stone while new high-quality concrete paving would be laid in Above Bar Street and West Marlands Road.
New large stone public seating and sculptural box trees would also be included.
The plans will be on show in the Guildhall foyer today and tomorrow. Experts will be on hand.
Posted by: Bagman, Southampton on 11:35am Wed 28 Nov 07
Before SEEDA start knocking buildings down in the City centre, wouldn't it be better to clean up the mess that they have left in Woolston on the old Thorny's site. It is a real eyesore that can be seen from all the Cruise Ships as they enter our port. Can they get their priorities right this time.
Before SEEDA start knocking buildings down in the City centre, wouldn't it be better to clean up the mess that they have left in Woolston on the old Thorny's site. It is a real eyesore that can be seen from all the Cruise Ships as they enter our port. Can they get their priorities right this time.
Posted by: Derek, Dibden Purlieu on 12:02pm Wed 28 Nov 07
Another offering from a Committee set up to see exactly how much public money can be frittered away on an unnecessary project to boost their feeling of self importance.
Another offering from a Committee set up to see exactly how much public money can be frittered away on an unnecessary project to boost their feeling of self importance.
Posted by: Denzil, Romsey on 12:10pm Wed 28 Nov 07
This doesn't look much different to what's there now, only they have removed the benches the drunks sit on. Maybe it's time to do away with the Guildhall, it's getting a bit dated now. Maybe replace it with a housing assosiation scheme.
This doesn't look much different to what's there now, only they have removed the benches the drunks sit on. Maybe it's time to do away with the Guildhall, it's getting a bit dated now. Maybe replace it with a housing assosiation scheme.
Posted by: elby, Southampton on 12:16pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Derek[/bold] wrote:
Another offering from a Committee set up to see exactly how much public money can be frittered away on an unnecessary project to boost their feeling of self importance.[/quote] What?! How is trying to make Southampton a little bit more pleasant 'frittering' money away? We must spend next to nothing on this sort of thing compared to other cities - and it shows
Derek wrote:
Another offering from a Committee set up to see exactly how much public money can be frittered away on an unnecessary project to boost their feeling of self importance.
What?! How is trying to make Southampton a little bit more pleasant 'frittering' money away? We must spend next to nothing on this sort of thing compared to other cities - and it shows
Posted by: Denzil, Romsey on 12:19pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Dense-il[/bold] wrote:
Yes maybe replace Romsey with a housing association scheme as well, because the joke gets funnier everytime I say it!!! Actually no[/quote] This isn't about Romsey is it you plank. Got anything sensible to add?
Dense-il wrote:
Yes maybe replace Romsey with a housing association scheme as well, because the joke gets funnier everytime I say it!!! Actually no
This isn't about Romsey is it you plank. Got anything sensible to add?
Posted by: Susan, Southamptno on 12:20pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Jimmy James[/bold] wrote:
The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.[/quote] Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)
Jimmy James wrote:
The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.
Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)
Posted by: Thomas, City centre on 12:21pm Wed 28 Nov 07
It is obvious that this plan has been in the pipeline for a very long time - look at the state the Square is in now, the paving etc. The money they saved on this is surely factoring in this new scheme. It's a great idea I can't wait to sit in the cafes and galleries and feel some life has been injected into the old place
It is obvious that this plan has been in the pipeline for a very long time - look at the state the Square is in now, the paving etc. The money they saved on this is surely factoring in this new scheme. It's a great idea I can't wait to sit in the cafes and galleries and feel some life has been injected into the old place
Posted by: Denzil, Romsey on 12:22pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Dense-il[/bold] wrote: Yes maybe replace Romsey with a housing association scheme as well, because the joke gets funnier everytime I say it!!! Actually no[/quote] This isn't about Romsey is it you plank. Got anything sensible to add?[/quote] Let's replace ME with a housing association scheme. That way I will stop going on about it as if it is funny!
Denzil wrote:
Dense-il wrote: Yes maybe replace Romsey with a housing association scheme as well, because the joke gets funnier everytime I say it!!! Actually no
This isn't about Romsey is it you plank. Got anything sensible to add?
Let's replace ME with a housing association scheme. That way I will stop going on about it as if it is funny!
Posted by: Denzil, Romsey on 12:24pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Susan[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Jimmy James[/bold] wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.[/quote] Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)[/quote] No it's because we have jobs and nice homes in Romsey to pay for. It's not like we are unemployed or bin men.
Susan wrote:
Jimmy James wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.
Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)
No it's because we have jobs and nice homes in Romsey to pay for. It's not like we are unemployed or bin men.
Posted by: Hiram Hackenbacker, Tracey Island on 12:25pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Susan[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Jimmy James[/bold] wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.[/quote] Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)[/quote] Susan,
I am one of the few people who apparantly posts rubbish here - but I will be visiting the exhibition at about 2:30pm today. They will receive my comments.
Susan wrote:
Jimmy James wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.
Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)
Susan,
I am one of the few people who apparantly posts rubbish here - but I will be visiting the exhibition at about 2:30pm today. They will receive my comments.
Posted by: Denzil, Romsey on 12:26pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Dense-il[/bold] wrote: Yes maybe replace Romsey with a housing association scheme as well, because the joke gets funnier everytime I say it!!! Actually no[/quote] This isn't about Romsey is it you plank. Got anything sensible to add?[/quote] Let's replace ME with a housing association scheme. That way I will stop going on about it as if it is funny![/quote] You spelt my name right, well done.
Denzil wrote:
Denzil wrote:
Dense-il wrote: Yes maybe replace Romsey with a housing association scheme as well, because the joke gets funnier everytime I say it!!! Actually no
This isn't about Romsey is it you plank. Got anything sensible to add?
Let's replace ME with a housing association scheme. That way I will stop going on about it as if it is funny!
[quote][bold]Hiram Hackenbacker[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Susan[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Jimmy James[/bold] wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.[/quote] Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)[/quote] Susan, I am one of the few people who apparantly posts rubbish here - but I will be visiting the exhibition at about 2:30pm today. They will receive my comments.[/quote] And you will be ignored, get used to it hahahaha!
Hiram Hackenbacker wrote:
Susan wrote:
Jimmy James wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.
Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)
Susan, I am one of the few people who apparantly posts rubbish here - but I will be visiting the exhibition at about 2:30pm today. They will receive my comments.
Posted by: Look, Southampton on 12:47pm Wed 28 Nov 07
I think its a brilliant idea. Shame the people on this site are negative. you complain about southampton but yet you also complain about the new changes! Glad someone lives in romsey and not hear. Maybe they should be more concerned with Romsey
I think its a brilliant idea. Shame the people on this site are negative. you complain about southampton but yet you also complain about the new changes! Glad someone lives in romsey and not hear. Maybe they should be more concerned with Romsey
I was rather hoping for my detail from the 'big picture'. However from the illustration the square seems to lack any seating or a focal point such as a fountain or notable artwork. Without this ones view will be drawn to the rather tired facade of the neighbouring buildings.
I was rather hoping for my detail from the 'big picture'. However from the illustration the square seems to lack any seating or a focal point such as a fountain or notable artwork. Without this ones view will be drawn to the rather tired facade of the neighbouring buildings.
Posted by: a resident, Southampton on 1:03pm Wed 28 Nov 07
I've been aware that these proposals were in the pipeline for sometime now, and will be keen to see the exhibition.
It must be v difficult to bring together all the various elements of a scheme of this scale and all the different property interests & developers.
Let's hope that the scheme delivers something fantastic for the City.
I've been aware that these proposals were in the pipeline for sometime now, and will be keen to see the exhibition.
It must be v difficult to bring together all the various elements of a scheme of this scale and all the different property interests & developers.
Let's hope that the scheme delivers something fantastic for the City.
Posted by: elby, Southampton on 1:34pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]JENNY[/bold] wrote:
GREAT IDEA BUT THINK ABOUT PEOPLE WITH WALKING DIFFICULTIES, THE COBBLES OUTSIDE THE GUILDHALL ARE HIDEOUS TO WALK[/quote] But they are nice, and traditional. Not much of that left in this city
JENNY wrote:
GREAT IDEA BUT THINK ABOUT PEOPLE WITH WALKING DIFFICULTIES, THE COBBLES OUTSIDE THE GUILDHALL ARE HIDEOUS TO WALK
But they are nice, and traditional. Not much of that left in this city
Posted by: Hiram Hackenbacker, Tracey Island on 1:34pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Susie[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Hiram Hackenbacker[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Susan[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Jimmy James[/bold] wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.[/quote] Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)[/quote] Susan, I am one of the few people who apparantly posts rubbish here - but I will be visiting the exhibition at about 2:30pm today. They will receive my comments.[/quote] And you will be ignored, get used to it hahahaha![/quote] Not when I use my real name they don't.
Susie wrote:
Hiram Hackenbacker wrote:
Susan wrote:
Jimmy James wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.
Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)
Susan, I am one of the few people who apparantly posts rubbish here - but I will be visiting the exhibition at about 2:30pm today. They will receive my comments.
Posted by: oh please, Southampton on 1:41pm Wed 28 Nov 07
Oh please, this will just encourage the bullies on bikes to act anti-socailly. It would restrict access to disabled people and elderly people. A totally mad idea which wastes far too much money. This council complains it has to make cut backs and then initiates ridiculous ideas.
Oh please, this will just encourage the bullies on bikes to act anti-socailly. It would restrict access to disabled people and elderly people. A totally mad idea which wastes far too much money. This council complains it has to make cut backs and then initiates ridiculous ideas.
Posted by: Robert, Regent's Park, So'ton on 2:16pm Wed 28 Nov 07
Once again the Council's Gobbledegook Department are having a field day over these plans:
[italic]Major investment in the revitalisation of Southampton's principal civic space, Guildhall Square, will act as a major catalyst for the renaissance of Northern Above Bar as the city's flagship arts and cultural quarter, firmly establishing Southampton as a regional cultural centre.[/italic]
But to talk of a "cultural renaissance" from it is the purest form of Cloud Cuckoo Land.
I would be delighted to see the area improved, but I'd have greater confidence in people who clearly have their feet on the ground.
Once again the Council's Gobbledegook Department are having a field day over these plans:
Major investment in the revitalisation of Southampton's principal civic space, Guildhall Square, will act as a major catalyst for the renaissance of Northern Above Bar as the city's flagship arts and cultural quarter, firmly establishing Southampton as a regional cultural centre.
But to talk of a "cultural renaissance" from it is the purest form of Cloud Cuckoo Land.
I would be delighted to see the area improved, but I'd have greater confidence in people who clearly have their feet on the ground.
Posted by: Chris Handley, Manchester, UK on 2:35pm Wed 28 Nov 07
I left Southampton 2 years ago, and at the time it was dull, boring, unadventurous, nothing ever changed in terms of facilties and architecture, the only new building was a tiny 13 story hotel on the roundabout near St Marys! Yet Southampton still considered itself as being a major city, which is completely untrue, and it lags behind Portsmouth of all places, and we all know how badly Soton thinks of Pompey.
The tallest buildings in the city are all high rise council flats, there is nothing to do apart from go to West Quay and drink in student bars, most locals with a good job has to leave the city and commute, and anybdoy with any cash longs to leave the city and live in the outskirts in places like Romsey and the New Forest.
Southampton needs hundreds of million pounds of investment to become anywhere near, and catch upto Portsmouth again, let alone the country's truly important cities. Spending 50 million on this 'heritage quarter', is a mere few pennies, and really will not make much difference to the city.
Southampton and its infrastructure is geared up for people coming down the M3 to the city, into the city centre to the docks, to get on a ship, and leaving. Everything else about it is sadly lacking, and it will take more than plans, which Im afraid to say, dont mean much, and also have a habit of not actually appearing when it comes to Southampton. Ikea? Ice Skating Rink? SuperCasino? Ring any bells?
I left Southampton 2 years ago, and at the time it was dull, boring, unadventurous, nothing ever changed in terms of facilties and architecture, the only new building was a tiny 13 story hotel on the roundabout near St Marys! Yet Southampton still considered itself as being a major city, which is completely untrue, and it lags behind Portsmouth of all places, and we all know how badly Soton thinks of Pompey.
The tallest buildings in the city are all high rise council flats, there is nothing to do apart from go to West Quay and drink in student bars, most locals with a good job has to leave the city and commute, and anybdoy with any cash longs to leave the city and live in the outskirts in places like Romsey and the New Forest.
Southampton needs hundreds of million pounds of investment to become anywhere near, and catch upto Portsmouth again, let alone the country's truly important cities. Spending 50 million on this 'heritage quarter', is a mere few pennies, and really will not make much difference to the city.
Southampton and its infrastructure is geared up for people coming down the M3 to the city, into the city centre to the docks, to get on a ship, and leaving. Everything else about it is sadly lacking, and it will take more than plans, which Im afraid to say, dont mean much, and also have a habit of not actually appearing when it comes to Southampton. Ikea? Ice Skating Rink? SuperCasino? Ring any bells?
Posted by: n jones, southampton on 2:52pm Wed 28 Nov 07
excellent scheme IF materials used in resurfacing/paving are first class as opposed to"make do" which is usually the case in southampton.Generall
y the state of the pavements in this third-rate city is disgusting e.g lower hill lane opposite over55 development-positive
ly dangerous as i found out today!
excellent scheme IF materials used in resurfacing/paving are first class as opposed to"make do" which is usually the case in southampton.Generall
y the state of the pavements in this third-rate city is disgusting e.g lower hill lane opposite over55 development-positive
ly dangerous as i found out today!
I find the level of negativity here extrodinary. I can't believe people are actually saying "This city is rubbish, why bother". Southampton is seriously lacking in culture, so what should we do about it? Nothing? Come on folks, maybe if we get behind these schemes then this city could become a better and more exciting place to live. Those of you whining on about the fact that money should go else where... wake up... the city needs to attract people to make more money to make the city better, and money is probably ring-fenced anyway for cultural use. No-one is going to wave a magic wand and make this place instantly great, but one thing that is [italic]NOT[/italic] going to help is small minded whinging and pessimism. I want my city to be a better place to live and so I back this plan.
I find the level of negativity here extrodinary. I can't believe people are actually saying "This city is rubbish, why bother". Southampton is seriously lacking in culture, so what should we do about it? Nothing? Come on folks, maybe if we get behind these schemes then this city could become a better and more exciting place to live. Those of you whining on about the fact that money should go else where... wake up... the city needs to attract people to make more money to make the city better, and money is probably ring-fenced anyway for cultural use. No-one is going to wave a magic wand and make this place instantly great, but one thing that is NOT going to help is small minded whinging and pessimism. I want my city to be a better place to live and so I back this plan.
Posted by: Nothing changes, Southampton on 4:08pm Wed 28 Nov 07
I agree with Chris Handley totally, if they do this then great but it isn't going to be a magical solution to the problem. Hopefully they won't stop after this is done but I expect they probably will. Culture can't just be created it has to develop and grow and you can't really force that. The other worrying thing is the fact that, surprise surprise, a huge number of flats are mentioned in the development so the cultural thing is just a token gesture!
I agree with Chris Handley totally, if they do this then great but it isn't going to be a magical solution to the problem. Hopefully they won't stop after this is done but I expect they probably will. Culture can't just be created it has to develop and grow and you can't really force that. The other worrying thing is the fact that, surprise surprise, a huge number of flats are mentioned in the development so the cultural thing is just a token gesture!
Posted by: Anon, A more interesting place than Southampton on 9:12pm Wed 28 Nov 07
Yes it's a step in the right direction but what Southampton needs to be taking is leaps, not steps.
It would seem the only thing we can confidently predict about future development in the City, is more flats.
Yes it's a step in the right direction but what Southampton needs to be taking is leaps, not steps.
It would seem the only thing we can confidently predict about future development in the City, is more flats.
[quote][bold]Chris Handley[/bold] wrote:
I left Southampton 2 years ago, and at the time it was dull, boring, unadventurous, nothing ever changed in terms of facilties and architecture, the only new building was a tiny 13 story hotel on the roundabout near St Marys! Yet Southampton still considered itself as being a major city, which is completely untrue, and it lags behind Portsmouth of all places, and we all know how badly Soton thinks of Pompey. The tallest buildings in the city are all high rise council flats, there is nothing to do apart from go to West Quay and drink in student bars, most locals with a good job has to leave the city and commute, and anybdoy with any cash longs to leave the city and live in the outskirts in places like Romsey and the New Forest. Southampton needs hundreds of million pounds of investment to become anywhere near, and catch upto Portsmouth again, let alone the country's truly important cities. Spending 50 million on this 'heritage quarter', is a mere few pennies, and really will not make much difference to the city. Southampton and its infrastructure is geared up for people coming down the M3 to the city, into the city centre to the docks, to get on a ship, and leaving. Everything else about it is sadly lacking, and it will take more than plans, which Im afraid to say, dont mean much, and also have a habit of not actually appearing when it comes to Southampton. Ikea? Ice Skating Rink? SuperCasino? Ring any bells?[/quote] What has portsmouth got that makes southampton need to catch up ??. A tower which took "how many years to build" a town centre which looks like a ghost town. Oh sorry scumwharfe quays which is just another shopping centre and the best part of portsmouth is the m275
Chris Handley wrote:
I left Southampton 2 years ago, and at the time it was dull, boring, unadventurous, nothing ever changed in terms of facilties and architecture, the only new building was a tiny 13 story hotel on the roundabout near St Marys! Yet Southampton still considered itself as being a major city, which is completely untrue, and it lags behind Portsmouth of all places, and we all know how badly Soton thinks of Pompey. The tallest buildings in the city are all high rise council flats, there is nothing to do apart from go to West Quay and drink in student bars, most locals with a good job has to leave the city and commute, and anybdoy with any cash longs to leave the city and live in the outskirts in places like Romsey and the New Forest. Southampton needs hundreds of million pounds of investment to become anywhere near, and catch upto Portsmouth again, let alone the country's truly important cities. Spending 50 million on this 'heritage quarter', is a mere few pennies, and really will not make much difference to the city. Southampton and its infrastructure is geared up for people coming down the M3 to the city, into the city centre to the docks, to get on a ship, and leaving. Everything else about it is sadly lacking, and it will take more than plans, which Im afraid to say, dont mean much, and also have a habit of not actually appearing when it comes to Southampton. Ikea? Ice Skating Rink? SuperCasino? Ring any bells?
What has portsmouth got that makes southampton need to catch up ??. A tower which took "how many years to build" a town centre which looks like a ghost town. Oh sorry scumwharfe quays which is just another shopping centre and the best part of portsmouth is the m275
Posted by: Denzil, Romsey on 11:22pm Wed 28 Nov 07
[quote][bold]Denzil[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Susan[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Jimmy James[/bold] wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.[/quote] Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)[/quote] No it's because we have jobs and nice homes in Romsey to pay for. It's not like we are unemployed or bin men.[/quote] Im a Prat!
Denzil wrote:
Susan wrote:
Jimmy James wrote: The people who comlain that Southampton is dull are the very same people who are derisory about proposals such as this. I think it\'s a fantastic idea.
Here here! Those who complain - why not come to the Guildhall and view the plans and make your feelings known? Or become councillors? No - because you are too happy to post rubbish on this website that, to be fair, will never be read by those who make the decisions (and thank God they don't take any of your points on board)
No it's because we have jobs and nice homes in Romsey to pay for. It's not like we are unemployed or bin men.
Posted by: Nothing changes, Southampton on 8:12am Thu 29 Nov 07
[quote]What has portsmouth got that makes southampton need to catch up ??. A tower which took "how many years to build" a town centre which looks like a ghost town. Oh sorry scumwharfe quays which is just another shopping centre and the best part of portsmouth is the m275[/quote]
Er, lets see...
- Decent city centre shopping area (no worse than Soton at present)
- New city centre shopping centre being built (a lot better than Soton)
- Gunwharf Quays shopping, eating, drinking area
- Spinnaker tower and potential new attraction on Soutsea seafront
- Historic dockyard
- Old Portsmouth
- Southsea on it's doorstep, proper beach on proper sea not a river!
- Good access via M275 right into the centre of the city
- Excellent rail links plus ferries etc...
- Royal Navy
- Oh yeah, premiership football club!
- I could go on!
The point is the entire package is more appealing than Southampton. Yeah both places have their run down areas but Portsmouth is taking and has taken many positive steps and Southampton is yet again playing catch up (eg. Ocean Village!).
What has portsmouth got that makes southampton need to catch up ??. A tower which took "how many years to build" a town centre which looks like a ghost town. Oh sorry scumwharfe quays which is just another shopping centre and the best part of portsmouth is the m275
Er, lets see...
- Decent city centre shopping area (no worse than Soton at present)
- New city centre shopping centre being built (a lot better than Soton)
- Gunwharf Quays shopping, eating, drinking area
- Spinnaker tower and potential new attraction on Soutsea seafront
- Historic dockyard
- Old Portsmouth
- Southsea on it's doorstep, proper beach on proper sea not a river!
- Good access via M275 right into the centre of the city
- Excellent rail links plus ferries etc...
- Royal Navy
- Oh yeah, premiership football club!
- I could go on!
The point is the entire package is more appealing than Southampton. Yeah both places have their run down areas but Portsmouth is taking and has taken many positive steps and Southampton is yet again playing catch up (eg. Ocean Village!).
Posted by: Gozza, Southampton on 9:36am Thu 29 Nov 07
It isn't that this is a bad idea - but there are much more important things that the money should be being spent on. Public transport, and the pavements in parts of the city where people actually go, are two that come to mind.
Make Southampton a city that's nice to live in, and THEN look at attracting the culture vultures!
It isn't that this is a bad idea - but there are much more important things that the money should be being spent on. Public transport, and the pavements in parts of the city where people actually go, are two that come to mind.
Make Southampton a city that's nice to live in, and THEN look at attracting the culture vultures!
Posted by: Jani from the HubBub, Southampton on 4:26pm Mon 10 Dec 07
Some points!!!
* Southampton is FAR from culturally dead, as those of you who switch off your TV and come out will discover!
* A pretty courtyard doesn't make a cultural renaissance.... artists and members of the community do!
* Why is the Council cutting the arts & leisure budget by £812,000 next year and then spending 4.6 million on granite?! Do you think they are more interested in improving the view from their offices tha supporting the Arts?!
* Arts Complex... what Arts Complex? This Complex is a standing joke amongst artists and community groups in our city. I wish they'd just admit there isn't going to be one!
*The grubby, scruffy little venues in our city are where culture happens, they are constantly under threat and need YOUR support!
* Here's how we make our city a center of culture...you, yes YOU, reading this...who did you think I meant?!!! YOU get out and create, socialise, support the Arts, [bold]make some noise[/bold] ! It's YOUR city after all!
Some points!!!
* Southampton is FAR from culturally dead, as those of you who switch off your TV and come out will discover!
* A pretty courtyard doesn't make a cultural renaissance.... artists and members of the community do!
* Why is the Council cutting the arts & leisure budget by £812,000 next year and then spending 4.6 million on granite?! Do you think they are more interested in improving the view from their offices tha supporting the Arts?!
* Arts Complex... what Arts Complex? This Complex is a standing joke amongst artists and community groups in our city. I wish they'd just admit there isn't going to be one!
*The grubby, scruffy little venues in our city are where culture happens, they are constantly under threat and need YOUR support!
* Here's how we make our city a center of culture...you, yes YOU, reading this...who did you think I meant?!!! YOU get out and create, socialise, support the Arts, make some noise ! It's YOUR city after all!
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