I can only comment on the facts presented in Monday’s Echo – there may be other proposals for the Waterfront of which I am unaware.

Why on Earth do the developers and Southampton City Council (in the persona of Dawn Baxendale) think that the development will be not just an attraction, but a “magnificent” attraction, for visitors and residents alike?

Who, other than the developers and Southampton City Council, are excited by the proposed development?

How many Southampton residents regularly eat at five-star restaurants? How many visitors will flock to it when they hear about it?

There is absolutely nothing in the proposals to whet the appetite of Sotonians so can we please dispense with this empty rhetoric about creating jobs and being a benefit to Sotonians (no doubt it will create jobs – but if people can’t afford to go there, the jobs won’t last long).

The citizens of Southampton don’t come into the equation – it’s all about how much money the developers will make and how much will line the coffers of Southampton City Council. More money in the pensions pot.

What exactly does Southampton City Council mean by the Waterfront? Will somebody please let me know how much land between the derelict pier (another landmark to be proud of) and the site of the old floating bridge is accessible to the public.

If any land is accessible, what is there to do? Once this development is completed, what will there be to attract anybody and families to the Waterfront?

We haven’t even touched on proposed luxury residential departments.

No doubt these will be snapped up by first-time buyers!

J McCarthy, Hedge End.