Southampton city council is examining the possibility of securing a development partner to regenerate 20 acres around Central station.
The council has appointed CBRE to conduct a feasibility study of the Western Esplanade, which is south of Southampton Central.
Eight-five per cent of the land is occupied, of which the majority is owned by private landlords. Retail parks and hotels account for the bulk of properties.
Alastair Dobson, city development manager at the council, said: “We want to see if there is anything on the land that developers would be interested in. I would like to see the area regenerated, with an office-led mixed-use development.”
The council added that it would try to avoid a compulsory purchase order where possible.
CBRE’s study is expected to be completed in March 2012.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
