I'd like to thank all those who signed the petition started by my colleague Cllr David Shields to stop ABP demolishing Solent Flour Mills.

Sadly, the demolition is well underway and this iconic landmark will be lost. The building was not listed so not protected under planning law that applies to other listed structures in the port; it is also just inside the port boundary, which allows the port extensive permitted development rights that only Government can override.

We have managed to secure some footage and artefacts about the building which was a working flour mill from 1934 till 2019. I hope that we can put on some sort of exhibition to capture the history of this site and the wider evolution of the Western Docks.

As we build towards the bid for the 2025 City of Culture this year, I also urge ABP to consider taking action on other heritage assets in their ownership like for example the derelict Royal Pier. Southampton has such amazing heritage and we need to do more with what we have.

Cllr Sarah Bogle, Labour Cllr for Bargate ward and SCC Heritage Champion