Artistic impression sketch of Solent Gateway 2. This is indicative and based on our emerging proposals.
Our emerging proposals
We are proposing to extend Solent Gateway onto the northern part of the reclaimed land between Marchwood and Hythe. This new development – Solent Gateway 2 – would provide extra capacity where it is needed for a world-leading, sustainable automotive terminal.
This would, in turn, free up space in the main Port of Southampton to support other key sectors such as cruise and container shipping – helping us to ensure long-term resilience and global competitiveness.
We believe this is a real opportunity to shape the port and deliver lasting value for the surrounding area – strengthening trade and defence through the creation of additional berths, while enhancing the landscape and making it more accessible for everybody.
In brief, our emerging proposals include:
New marine facilities
This would comprise a new jetty located near the existing jetties at Solent Gateway.
Automotive terminal space
This would include operational buildings, storage areas, multi-decked vehicle storage facilities and administration areas.
Environmental works
Recognising the valuable nature of the Waterside area and National Park, we are working to identify ways in which we can both preserve and enrich this area through habitat and landscape improvement. This would include natural barriers between the development and existing residential areas in the form of green spaces.
Improved road access
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 in order to get to Solent Gateway and instead enable them to access the existing facility on a direct connection from the A326.
A new community green space
Through a major new country park and additional environmental enhancements which, combined, would be equivalent to the size of over 300 football pitches (this number is indicative and based on current estimates at this early stage of our proposals). It would also provide opportunities for new and improved cycle and walking routes, connecting Marchwood and Hythe.
The existing Solent Gateway site.
What's different?
Our new, emerging plans are on a significantly smaller scale and are very different in character to the proposals brought forward previously. We are focused on getting the balance right between supporting trade and the wider UK economy, enhancing the local environment and offering real, visible improvements for local communities. The key differences between previous plans and what we are now proposing are:
Over half of the land would now be set aside for environmental purposes and a major new country park, with the remainder developed for port use.
The proposed major new country park would also provide an opportunity for new and improved cycle and walking routes connecting Marchwood and Hythe.
The proposed development would not be used by container ships, and there would be no ability for the proposed development to be used by container ships.
Our plans would allow us to divert vehicles that currently need to drive through Marchwood to get to Solent Gateway and instead enable them to access the existing facility on a direct connection from the A326, by means of a new link road.
Visual impact of the new terminal would be minimised through design and planting, creating natural barriers between the development and residential areas.
