Region’s property leaders explore Southampton in runup to South Coast CPS

More than 50 property professionals gathered last week for the Southampton Pre-Conference Networking Social.

It was one of several networking events leading up to the South Coast CPS property conference this November.

Guests visited various sites across Southampton, exploring ongoing development and regeneration projects while highlighting investment opportunities for the city’s future.

Networking kicked off with a breakfast at Ennios on Town Quay Road, followed by a city centre walk led by Matthew Hill and Carolyn Abel from the city council, Pablo Eguinoa from Prior + Partners and Tim Hook of ABP Property.

Lucy Richmond, director of South Coast CPS, said: “We’re thrilled to have such strong support from our sponsors, speakers, exhibitors and everyone joining us for the upcoming conference in Southampton.

“Today was both informative and informal, with participants engaging in valuable discussions throughout the walk, gaining insights into the opportunities and challenges that will shape the city’s future.”

Some of the highlights from the route were as follows…

• Town Quay – The group explored Nicolas James Group’s proposals for the waterfront area, with potential for significant transformation.

• God’s House Tower – Carolyn updated the group on Southampton’s heritage assets, linking them to wider regeneration efforts.

• Friary House and Holyrood Estate – Discussions focused on office conversions and estate renewals to improve social housing across the city.

• Bargate Quarter – The scheme, led and funded by L&G IM, provided a closer look at direct delivery efforts and a new contractor was announced to be coming soon.

• Toys ‘R’ Us Site and Southampton Central Station – The group considered the critical role these opportunities play in unlocking the city’s growth potential.

• Guildhall Square – Matthew highlighted recent long-term investments, particularly those by the University of Southampton in the heart of the city.

Pablo from Prior + Partners gave a comprehensive overview of the city’s master plan framework, emphasising the interconnected themes shaping the future of Southampton.

And Carolyn offered insights into heritage conservation through the council’s heritage investment programme and highlighted how the city is balancing modern development with preserving its rich history.

The group then wound up at Mama’s Kitchen for a Thai tapas lunch, providing further opportunities for informal discussions and networking.

There are also further networking events planned for FOUNDRY Poole on 17 October and PLANT in Basingstoke on 24 October.

These will pave the way for the South Coast CPS conference on 14 November, where organisers say deeper conversations about regional development, investment, the commercial property market and housing will take place.