The huge £200million pier upgrade set to transform seafront city with hotel, restaurants and even a helipad
A WATERFRONT development has been approved and is set to transform one of Southampton’s piers.
Town Quay in Southampton, which operates as a marina, could soon look completely different with a huge hotel complex with a helipad.
Town Quay is a historic waterside area and part of the busy Port of Southampton, known for its ferry links to the Isle of Wight.
Last March, Southampton Council approved a planning application by the Nicolas James Group, who want to completely transform the area.
The plans are for a huge waterfront development that could see a hotel with a bar, conference facilities, a spa and even a with a helipad.
There could also be three 25-storey apartment blocks as well as multiple restaurants and food halls.
The plans also include a new Red Jet passenger terminal and larger marina.
The development is estimated to cost £200million.
Just opposite Town Quay is Southampton Royal Pier, which opened in the 1830s of Victorian England and cost £25,000 to build.
The 900-foot pier opened in July 1833, by the Duchess of Kent and Princess (later Queen) Victoria.
It was in operation until its closure in late 1979.
The Royal Palace building is now a popular Indian restaurant.
Other main attractions in Southampton include the Solent Sky Museum, the Unity Brewing Co., and the Tudor House – all of which one travel writer visited during a city break.
Piers are a huge part of seaside holidays for most and earlier this year, Clacton-on-Sea was voted one of the country’s ‘worst seaside towns‘.
But it’s pleasure pier up came up trumps, winning big in the ‘Best of the Best Amusement & Water Parks’ category.
Clacton Pier came 11th place in the Tripadvisor Travellers‘ Choice Awards having been given top reviews by visitors – even beating theme parks in the process.
It’s the biggest pier of its kind in Europe at 360 metres long – and has its own amusement park.
On it are 16 rides including Looping Star rollercoaster, White Water Log Flume, a big wheel and Helter Skelter
There’s even a go-karting track, as well as a bowling alley, darts and shuffleboard, adventure golf, video arcade, and a soft play centre
Throughout the summer, the pier is also having free firework displays.
For more on piers this northern UK town called a ‘coastal gem’ with Victorian pier, no arcades and 141-year-old funicular railway.