ABP could use Southampton's Leisure World car park for three years

ABP wants to use the site - set to be redeveloped in a multi-million-pound project - as it does not have enough land.

Plans submitted to Southampton City Council say the extra parking spaces would be used due to increased pressures caused by global supply chain issues affecting how long ships are in port.

If approved, the plans would see the installation and replacement of boundary fencing and emergency gates and a new connecting roadway and gate access between ABP and Leisure World.

Cars will access the proposed car park through ABP’s existing access from Southern Road, found towards the back of the Leisure World site. 

READ MORE: LEISURE WORLD: Plans for 650 homes, hotels, restaurants, casino and cinema approved

A spokesperson from ABP, which manages the port, said: “We have been working with the developer of the Leisure World site, who has submitted a planning application to make temporary use of the surplus car parking on the site to facilitate more space on the port both for cruise passengers, and in support of the import and export of automotive units."

The proposed redevelopment

Leisure World developers were last year given the green light to transform the site creating new homes, around 1,000 jobs, a hotel and other businesses.

The parking scheme will last for a period of three years and will help ease pressure on the port caused by cruise passengers and cargo.

READ MORE: Plans unveiled for new 34-bed apart-hotel in Southampton

The Leisure World plans have been submitted by Sovereign Centros, which was granted planning permission last year to carry out a multi-million pound development of the site.

The £250m scheme will include 650 homes, two 150-room hotels, 80 serviced hotel apartments, new restaurants, offices, a cinema and a casino.

Civic chiefs approved the plans back in March 2021.

A number of concerns about the development were raised including further congestion of the area, lack of green spaces, and noise and pollution.

It comes as the port is trying to ease repeated traffic congestion when cruise ships are in port. 

The spokesperson said ABP is working with the council and cruise line partners to ensure "ensure effective planning to mitigate traffic congestion on busy cruise days".

They said: "For example, passengers who are arriving via the M271 and headed for Mayflower Cruise Terminal are now entering the port at Dock Gate 20 instead of Dock Gate 10, thereby reducing the number of cars around the vicinity of the city centre. 

"We’re using electronic messaging signage to direct passengers to their terminals as well as relaying other essential information.”

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