Plans confirmed for Maritime Centre of Excellence in Southampton
Final planning permission has been granted to the University of Southampton and Lloyd's Register to undertake the first phase of the redevelopment of the University's Boldrewood Campus. This completes a key milestone in realising their joint vision of creating an integrated knowledge-based maritime community in support of both organisations long term strategies.
Confirmation came with the execution of a Section S106 agreement between Southampton City Council , Lloyd's Register and the University.
Lloyd's Register and the University remain committed to the Boldrewood development, but following a review of the planned programme for construction of the new building, it has been decided to postpone commencement of any new construction work as demolition work on the main building at Boldrewood will not be completed until the third quarter of 2011. The view has been taken that commencing construction following the completion of the majority of the demolition work is the sensible and prudent path to follow.
The rapid and significant deterioration in the UK economy has also created great uncertainty in the financial and property markets, as well as affecting the confidence that Lloyd's Register would have in choosing a contractor to deliver the construction aspects of their new building.
Richard Sadler, CEO, Lloyd's Register commented: 'It is important that we remove as much risk and uncertainty from our plans as possible. Our action to delay the start of construction will facilitate a much clearer view of the attendant risks in what we hope will be a significantly improved economic climate.'
'The important commitment we have made to the University of Southampton to jointly stimulate innovation and develop further direct co-operation will continue in the interim, despite the postponement in developing the Boldrewood site'
If you would like to find out more go to http://www.southampton.ac.uk/estatedevelopment/projects/mce
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