Demolition starts on Southampton's derelict Toys R Us site

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Demolition has begun on Southampton's former Toys R Us store, derelict since the retailer's collapse in 2018.

Demolition work has begun on the former Toys R Us store in Southampton, on Harbour Parade close to the Central railway station. The 4.6-acre site has been derelict since Toys R Us collapsed in 2018, apart from being used temporarily to store donations for Ukraine in 2022.

Partial demolition is expected to take eight weeks. The roof and sides of the building will be left in place for short-term temporary uses, with Southampton City Council exploring possibilities including a padel court, event space and market.

Aviva Capital Partners, Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton have partnered to take on the site for redevelopment. Council leader Sarah Bogle said the work was a 'massive deal'. 'I get all sorts of people either giving ideas or complaining about nothing happening or what an eyesore,' she said. 'I'm really pleased that we're finally at this point. It has been hard work, there's been a lot of setbacks.'

Previous redevelopment proposals had failed to materialise, including a £150m scheme unveiled in 2019 and a later £200m Maritime Gateway development featuring more than 600 homes.

How it is being reported

• Demolition begins at Southampton's former Toys R Us site after years of stalled plansWork is under way to partially demolish Southampton’s former Toys R Us building as council leaders promised to finally breathe new life into the prominent city centre site.Southern Daily Echo · 15 Oct, 16:30
• Watch: Toys R Us store demolition gets under wayThe long-awaited demolition of Southampton's derelict Toys R Us building has started.BBC Hampshire · 15 Oct, 14:11

In this story: Southampton · Toys R Us · Southampton City Council · Aviva Capital Partners · University of Southampton · Sarah Bogle

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