The University of Southampton has formed a new partnership with Southampton City Council and Aviva Capital Partners, Aviva's in-house capital unit that invests in urban regeneration, housing and infrastructure across the UK.
The partnership has acquired and will redevelop the former Toys 'R' Us retail site, next to Southampton Central Station, for a new mixed-use neighbourhood focused on innovation, enterprise, and education, as well as offices and residential.
The site, which is identified as a key part of the West Bay Innovation District plans, and the delivery of the Southampton Renaissance Vision are priorities in the council's new Growth and Prosperity Plan.
WBS Growth Partnership LLP will drive the redevelopment of the vacant former Toys 'R' Us site, looking to start with temporary uses or consider demolition in 2026 as the plans develop.
The partners are intending to deliver a new neighbourhood, near the city centre and Southampton Central railway station, with innovation at its heart. The 4.6 acre site has been vacant since 2018 and is a key site within the wider West Bay regeneration area
University of Southampton's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mark E. Smith, said: "This is a crucial site in Southampton with significant potential to drive future employment, growth and innovation within our city. Along with our partners we will develop a fresh masterplan for the site, focused on creating new public spaces and an innovation zone that will shape our region for the future."
Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: "For far too long, the former Toys 'R' Us site has stood vacant at one of the key gateways to our city. We are determined to transform this prominent location into a place that delivers real benefits for our residents-creating new jobs, new homes and new opportunities for the people of Southampton. This new partnership marks an exciting first step in unlocking that potential and bringing this site back to life."
David Epstein, Managing Director, Aviva Capital Partners, said: "This project will create a vibrant neighbourhood right in the centre of Southampton, supporting local jobs, local businesses and driving the city's growth. The partnership with Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton is another example of Aviva investing in the UK, helping the country get ready for the future."
The partnership has appointed Stories as development manager for the project. The Stories team brings a wealth of experience in working with public / private partnerships and delivering high-quality, sustainable regeneration projects including at King's Cross in London. Stories will be supporting the partnership to translate the city's Renaissance Vision into a clear, investable delivery plan while staying grounded in local priorities and long-term value for the city.
