Saints and Southampton Council unite on redevelopment project

Southampton Football Club and Southampton City Council have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to explore the redevelopment of the St Mary’s Waterfront area. The partnership aims to create a premier sports, leisure and entertainment offer along the south coast, benefiting residents, visitors and the broader community. The MOU establishes a framework for joint planning and development, as Saints and Southampton City Council work together to transform the Itchen Riverside and St Mary’s Waterfront district into a year-round destination. The shared vision includes expanding St Mary’s Stadium and developing the surrounding areas to accommodate future growth, establishing it as a key entertainment destination, creating a mixed and balanced community that includes commercial, leisure, residential and accessible public spaces, and improving local transport infrastructure. Phil Parsons, chief executive of Southampton FC said: “This memorandum of understanding is a crucial step in ensuring the future success of both Southampton Football Club and the city of Southampton. For the club to thrive and survive in the Premier League, we must increase our revenue streams and developing the St Mary’s Waterfront area is central to achieving that. In turn, a successful football club at the highest level brings enormous benefits to the city, including increased tourism, investment and civic pride.” He added: “We are incredibly grateful to the council for its proactive and committed approach to this partnership. Its vision for developing the area and improving the city aligns perfectly with our ambition to establish Southampton as a leading destination for sport, leisure, and entertainment.” Lorna Fielker, leader of Southampton City Council, said: “This is an exciting first step in bringing forward a unified vision for Southampton’s future. We are working with our partners and key stakeholders across the city to deliver on our aspirations and are delighted to be working with Southampton FC to support what for many people represents the pride of the city.”