Drew Smith appointed for a further two affordable housing schemes at Townhill Park

We are pleased that Southampton City Council has appointed Drew Smith to progress the designs and secure detailed planning consent for around 60 homes on a further two development sites at Townhill Park.

Councillor Vassiliou, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Heritage, said: “The landmark regeneration of Townhill Park remains one of our key priorities as a council. This appointment is another fantastic milestone in the ambitious regeneration of Townhill Park. These development sites will bring forward much-needed homes plus benefits to the wider community by providing opportunities for all through boosting the local economy and creating a cleaner, safer and healthier neighbourhood. I look forward to working with Drew Smith, SO18 Big Local and the community on the designs of these new homes as we continue to Get Southampton Moving.”

The two sites which are being developed are off Copse Road and Rowlands Walk in Townhill Park. This area of Townhill Park is also benefitting from a new community green space which features a new enlarged children’s play area, outdoor gym and improved car parking along Ozier Road. The creation of this green space, Townhill Green, is funded through a £3.75M Homes England grant and forms part of the infrastructure improvements for the regeneration of Townhill Park. Improvements to Ozier Road include additional parking, disabled parking and access and a serviced space with power and water for a concession stand. Carried out by the council’s strategic highways partner Balfour Beatty, work started on Monday 14 June and is expected to last approximately eight weeks.

Kim Ayling, Chair of SO18 Big Local, said: “I am delighted that the regeneration of Townhill Park has moved forward with the appointment of Drew Smith for a total of three new housing developments and the exciting work to deliver Townhill Green which is progressing very quickly.
“SO18 Big Local look forward to working with Drew Smith, Southampton City Council and our local community who are keen to be involved in the designs for the new homes. The regeneration of Townhill Park is a fantastic example of local people contributing to local changes on a significant scale and long may it continue.”

Following a competitive tender exercise, a contract is to be awarded to Drew Smith/Vistry Partnerships Ltd. who will now be designing both newly approved schemes. It is likely the designs will be a mixture of houses and flats and provide around 60 much-needed new homes. In March 2021, Drew Smith Ltd. were awarded a similar appointment for the design of around 200 apartments on the vacant site off Meggeson Avenue/Townhill Way.

Drew Smith has pledged to proactively support the community at Townhill Park in a variety of ways including a commitment to improving employment prospects for local people through on-site learning, apprenticeships, pre-employment training and upskilling. Drew Smith will also be working with local stakeholders and community groups to identify key priorities and has already started work on identifying opportunities for direct investment and volunteering opportunities within the local community.

Adrian Cator, Managing Director at Drew Smith/Vistry Partnerships, said: “Drew Smith are delighted to have been awarded this contract with Southampton City Council to support the regeneration of Townhill Park. This will see the delivery of much-needed new affordable homes for the local community.

“Being based in Southampton, this will be a collaborative project built on the already strong and positive relationship we have with Southampton City Council, SO18 Big Local and the Townhill Park community. These sites will bring forward high quality affordable homes as well as social and economic opportunities that will enable local people to live happy, healthy and sustainable lives.”