Changing face of a city

Still on the water today, although a different aspect. This time we are back in Southampton’s Ocean Village marina which while focussing on the joys of recreational use of the water, is evidence of the massive impact of the changing face of the city.
On the marina the skyline has already changed with addition of new high-rise apartments, with lofty construction cranes indicating  yet  more development is afoot.
Meantime less than a mile-and-a-half away in the city centre, a huge expansion to the city centre shopping complex with the addition of recreational and entertainment facilities is making another major impact on the city’s landscape.
In Ocean Village, the current construction will see a new five-star luxury Southampton Harbour Hotel and Spa for the city, being built at a cost of £36 million, and due to open next year.
Another hotel is planned in the second phase of the city centre Watermark development, the extension of the existing West Quay Shopping mall.  The entire £80 million first phase is due to open this autumn, extending the city’s shopping, leisure and dining amenities.
Back on the waterfront, Ocean Village already holds a special place in the heart of sailing enthusiasts.

Yet on the horizon is a future plan for a new £450 million development project taking in the city’s Royal Pier and Mayflower Park, expected to further transform the landscape of Southampton’s waterfront with speciality shops, offices, leisure venues, apartments and waterside attractions  while providing an upgraded and permanent home for Southampton Boat Show.