Of course it’s good to see this area redeveloped, as it has outlived its usefulness.

However shops and restaurants?

Have planners not noticed shops and restaurants are closing everywhere at unprecedent levels.

Would it not be more logical, and profitable to instead have a conference centre, which could be used for exhibitions, as a concert venue, etc, and even as a staging point for cruise ships if needed.

Also perhaps a high viewing point to allow a view of ships and the New Forest beyond.

After all, we need to attract tourists to fill all these hotels.

But before this though, how about finishing the Bargate Quarter that currently resembles a bomb site.

It also proudly proclaims, embarrassingly that it will open in 2019.

Is it beyond the council to even send someone down to blank that message out?

Malc Lovejoy

Southmpton