Changing face on the waterfront

A fresh perspective on Ocean Village today, taking in the new Harbour Hotel and Spa, and neighbouring apartment development, as well as part of the new marina which has introduced a new face to Southampton’s residential and recreational waterfront district.

Time was when this was the centre of cross Channel shipping operations, but although it is still within my memory, in truth it seems an age ago.

Indeed the Village has changed dramatically since those days. Long gone are the cargo sheds and the Customs and border posts, replaced by waterfront bars, restaurants, and apartments, as well as the hotel, on the left of my photo.

I can look back with a fond nostalgia on some of the milestones of the seafaring and shipping community over 50 years or more. But port life today is very different and prospers in fresh directions.

Would I change it? No! But it’s lovely to have memories.