Weston Shore

Weston Shore Improvements
Weston Shore is a 2.2km stretch of public open space on Southampton Water. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Shore has inter-tidal mudflats which make the site important for waterfowl. The area is a seafaring gateway. It is a unique site and is the city’s main publicly accessible water front. It has international environmental importance enhanced by a rich and diverse archaeological, industrial and social heritage.

As part of a successful bid, the government awarded over £1million for work on Weston Shore. A 'master-plan' was written in 2002 which took on board many of the comments made during early consultations. Improvements completed to date are:

• New off road cycle routes from Weston Point to West Wood.

• Weston Parade traffic calming and safer pedestrian crossing point.

• New play equipment on foreshore – ‘the Bounty’ shipwreck.

• New ‘state of the art’ toilets with the city’s first ‘green’ (sedum-planted) roof. The facility includes baby changing, accessible facilities for wheelchair users and leisure attendant’s office.

• Landscaped car parking.

• Attractive new street lighting on Weston Parade.

• New all-weather multi-use balls games court (MUGA) - near Canberra Towers.

• Upgraded footpath/cycle link from Weston Parade to International Way.

• Upgrading the shore car park.

• Refurbished and illuminated 1930s beach shelters, interpretation and landscaping design– all part of Weston ShoreScapes - see separate section below.

• Pirates & Islands. Upgrading of the adventure play area near Weston tower blocks. This project was in partnership with Groundwork Solent.

• Westwood Improvements. Improved pedestrian and cycle access, upgraded entrances and parking area. Also included work on the ancient woodland. This project was in partnership with Groundwork Solent and Hampshire County Council.
  
  The total investment into the Shore was nearly £2 million. As well as the government, funding came from a variety of sources including a major Heritage Grant award from the Lottery.
  

This major heritage project was valued at three quarters of a million pounds. It has helped transform Weston Shore’s coastline. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the government and the council. The project included:

• high quality refurbishment of the architecturally important 1930’s concrete beach shelters,

• the re-landscaping of the open space,

• the creation of new places to sit and play, and

• a new heritage trail and interpretation across the site.

It has sought to protect and enhance the natural conservation value of the shore.

In 2005/06 we held many events and workshops for people in the area. These raised awareness and engaged all sections of the local community in the rediscovery of Weston Shore. Local schools were engaged in outdoor classroom events. Work was completed in May 2007.

Acknowledgements
Thanks are due to various funders and organisation which have helped fund or supported delivery of projects at Weston Shore. These include:

• Heritage Lottery Fund,

• Barclays Spaces for Sport,

• Sport England,

• Football Association (UEFA Jubilee Fund),

• Groundwork Solent,

• Onyx Environmental Trust,

• Woodland Trust,

• Veolia Environmental Trust,

• South East England Development Agency (SEEDA),
  Sustrans.

For further information please contact the regeneration team on the contact details below.