Plans for a fifth cruise terminal at Southampton have got the green light as funding has now been agreed.
The money will come from the government’s Getting Building Fund for projects that will boost the local economy. This development is part of a £15.9 million investment provided by Solent Local Enterprise Partnership.
The idea for a fifth terminal was first proposed in 2010 with hopes that it would also help the city maintain its status in the maritime world, so the long-awaited funding comes as very welcome news.
Solent LEP chief executive Anne-Marie Mountifield said:
This is a timely and unparalleled opportunity to restart the Solent’s visitor economy which has been so deeply impacted in 2020.
The cruise industry is a lynchpin of our national visitor economy with the Solent’s share of activity standing at 86%.
Investment in our world-leading cruise industry will not only benefit the sector, but also represents a strong backing for our local supply chains, transport links, retail and hospitality businesses that rely on the customer base generated by activity at the port.
According to the Enterprise Partnership, the new terminal will see us into a greener future with an “iconic wave-inspired building” delivering solar generation and shore power facilities “ensuring a world leading zero-emissions facility for cruise vessels in port”.
Associated British Ports regional director Alastair Welch said:
We are pleased to hear of the announcement confirming the government’s continued support for the cruise sector, which is crucial to our economy.
We look forward to confirming the details linked to this announcement to ensure we are able to support the resumption and future growth of cruise as soon as possible.
