Plans to turn car parking in Southampton city centre into a bus hub and a park have been approved.

Despite Southampton City Council members’ concerns about cutting down an 1800s Lime tree, parking at Albion Place will be turned into the bus hub and the adjoining Castle Way car park will become the urban park.

The plans received unanimous support by the Southampton City Council Planning and Rights of Way panel, with councillor John Noon saying they would generate a “massive environmental improvement” to the city, offering “fantastic views of the town walls”.

READ MORE: Plans to scrap parking at Albion Place set to be discussed

As a result of the development, 128 parking spaces will be removed to create a bus hub interchange and park - the first green space in the Old Town for 60 years.

A new zebra crossing to the south of Albion Place to connect Castle Lane to either side of Castle Way will be created, along with more bus infrastructure.

Additional facilities include improved waiting facilities, cycle parking and space for cycle docks and e-scooter hire.

Daily Echo: The scheme comprises a bus interchange at Albion Place and a new park at Castle Way Image: Mott Macdonald

Ray Shave is the secretary of the Southampton Masonic Hall, which overlooks the new development.

Mr Shave objected to the plans, saying the public consultation was a “fraud” as it did not follow government guidance.

He explained: “The consultation process lasts three and half weeks. One of the Government criteria for public consultation is that public consultation should normally last twelve weeks. As the only business in the area affected directly by the scheme, we had no priority notice of the scheme.

“Nearly 399 responses were received. Can this seriously represent a population that exceeds 271,000 people?

"Furthermore, the consultation results show that sixty-six per cent of the respondents objected to the scheme and thought it would have a negative impact on the community.

"We are wondering why the citizens’ opinions are being ignored.”

Daily Echo: An artist's impression of the proposed bus interchange at Albion Place Image: Mott Macdonald

However, Nick Askew, Head of Public Realm at Southampton City Council, said the development will offer clear views of the city heritage - specifically of Southampton Town Walls, to residents and visitors.

Mr Askew said, “This scheme is funded through the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF). It is probably the most significant in terms of change and transformation in the city itself.

“The proposed scheme will reconfigure and redevelop to improve transport offer with a new bus interchange and creating a new green open space. It will also help to tackle some of Southampton’s air pollution issues.

The design has been sympathetically blended to work with our heritage. It aligns with the wall’s architecture and will provide clear views of the historic walls.

“We are creating the first new public green space in the city centre in the last sixty years. It grows accessibility and enhances the historic identity of Southampton. Celebrates Southampton’s rich cultural heritage and connects it to Southampton 2040 transport strategy.”