Vision for the future

A plan to regenerate this drab waterfront area at Eling, near Southampton could bring new shops, restaurants and homes as well as jobs.
It could change the face of a huge industrial area bordering the northern part of Southampton Water, opening up the waterfront itself and connecting directly to the High Street in the town of Totton as well as an historic tide mill at the other side.
The plans being formulated involve the industrial area at Eling Wharf whose history goes back to medieval times when it was used for shipbuilding. And more recently the present owners developed businesses there associated with the adjoining railway, including a tar distillery to treat railway sleepers. But the owners admit industrial business on the site has declined in recent years, and it is now used primarily for storage for the port.
The owners, Burt Boulton Holdings Limited, have created a masterplan with the local authorities and planners at New Forest District Council and Totton and Eling Town Council and envisage enhanced retail and leisure facilities for Totton  encouraging local shopping and increased choice. The plans include a supermarket, a family pub/restaurant and a range of new shops and wharf side restaurants, adding to the town’s vibrancy.
That’s as well as a commercial area and up to 346 new homes, including apartments and housing, and opening up the waterfront with a landscaped promenade through the site.
The owners have already held public consultations with local people and say they expect to put  their proposals formally to planners before the end of the year.
They believe it will secure the future financial and economic viability of the Wharf, whilst ensuring that it continues to make a valuable contribution to the local community.

If that includes a new vision for this drab corner of Eling Quay, so much the better.