Artistic impression sketch of Solent Gateway 2. This is indicative and based on our emerging proposals.
Improved connectivity and better access
Our proposals would improve connectivity across, and access to, this area of the Waterside through improved road access as well as new and improved cycle and walking routes.
We recognise that access to the existing Solent Gateway site, and connectivity to the area proposed for our major new country park, is limited and our proposals seek to address that, so it becomes a space for all to use and enjoy.
Automotive operations
Our proposed new terminal would operate in the same way as our existing automotive operations in Southampton:
- Vehicles for import or export would arrive at Solent Gateway 2 by road, rail or sea. This would involve vehicles being unloaded from ships and then imported by road for UK customers - or vehicles arriving at the terminal by road or rail, being loaded onto ships and exported by UK manufacturers for sale overseas.
- Both imported and exported vehicles would be stored on-site while we prepare for their onward journey.
Our emerging proposals do not constitute the wholesale relocation of our automotive operations to this side of the water, but rather an expansion to meet growing industry demand.
Improved road access
Hampshire County Council A326 improvements
Hampshire County Council is currently developing highways improvement schemes along the A326 in this area (the A326 Waterside) which consider potential improvements between Totton and Hythe. We are in early conversations with Hampshire County Council about its proposals and we are working to ensure that both projects can be brought forward together.
The provision of a new direct access route to the new facility, with a new connection to the existing Solent Gateway, would allow us to divert vehicles that currently need to drive through Marchwood to get to Solent Gateway. Instead this would enable access the existing facility on a direct connection from the A326. Vehicles serving the terminal would comprise vehicle transporters and traffic associated with employees.
As we develop our proposals, we will be considering the impact on local road network, to minimise impacts of additional traffic on the local communities and to make sure that the roads are safe for all users. We recognise that the current facilities direct traffic through Marchwood, and we intend to develop our plans to reduce the current port traffic that passes through local communities.
Connectivity
As part of our emerging proposals, we also want to find ways in which we can improve connectivity for local communities. This could be through the establishment of new and improved cycle and walkways connecting Marchwood and Hythe, as we have set out in our proposals.
