Hammerson has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine to undertake the main construction works for its £70 million WestQuay Watermark development in Southampton’s city centre.
The mixed-use, leisure led scheme, which received detailed planning consent earlier in the year, will create up to 500 new construction job opportunities and boost the local economy.
The project will deliver a landmark 10 screen cinema, up to 20 restaurants and a new high quality public plaza for the city supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
Located immediately adjacent to Hammerson’s jointly owned WestQuay Shopping Centre, which is anchored by John Lewis and Marks & Spencer, the development is set to become Southampton’s new city centre leisure hub providing the area with a vibrant new dining and leisure destination.
WestQuay Watermark will be delivered in two phases. Phase one initial enabling works on the site have begun and the main start on site is scheduled for first thing in the New Year, with WestQuay Watermark set to open in autumn 2016. The second phase has the potential to include a hotel, residential tower with flexibility for retail and office space.
Hammerson is currently working with Southampton City Council’s Economic Development Team and Sir Robert McAlpine to ensure employment opportunities are available to the local Southampton workforce with skills and training opportunities.
Guy Wells, Hammerson Development Manager, commented: “Sir Robert McAlpine is a welcome addition to the WestQuay Watermark team. Their extensive experience of delivering high-quality schemes will be fundamental to the timely delivery and quality of the development.”
Mark Williamson, Regional Manager for Sir Robert McAlpine said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Hammerson to deliver this exciting new project for Southampton.”
Councillor Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “This scheme forms part of our Heart of the City’s VIP project to invigorate the city centre, creating over 500 jobs and providing outstanding leisure facilities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“This is a vital first phase in linking the city centre to the Waterfront via a world class piece of public open space.”