by Katie Isham.
Time to look up as well as around. This safari discovers some of the tallest buildings in the city including a giant that is now officially the closest you can get to heaven in Southampton.
Centenary Quay is a development perched on the east bank of the River Itchen, looking upstream at the Itchen Bridge. It may sit on the former site of the mighty Vosper Thornycroft but it can never replace the shipyard in Sotonian hearts. However, it’s still worth a wander for several reasons.
As already mentioned, this location is home to the tallest building in Southampton. It’s impressive to stand in the shadow of this giant and its slightly smaller pals loitering like the architectural youths they are. You can’t miss them. Whichever way you approach the site, these structures clad in glass and aspiration stand out against the skyline.
The whole site was started in 2010 and the shining superlative measuring 27 stories was completed last year.
It begs the question of what stories are being told throughout these floors. I for one, would like a gull’s eye view of the city from the top. But for now, be content with gazing up at the glistening glass reflecting the spring sky.
Some of the buildings here are residential, but there are several commercial premises too. Weave through the skyscrapers to the plaza at the heart of the development. Seemingly the most successful of these is Mettricks, the Southampton based café chain that’s now been offering up refreshments for ten years in this spot. Other establishments have been and gone but this remains.
Pick a clear day and soak up the Waterside sun as you pause your wander for a pit stop. Quayside also has seating overlooking the river for some focussed people (or boat) watching.
Follow the pedestrian walkway alongside the water’s edge with balcony upon balcony staring over your shoulder. Views downstream stretch towards the docks, the cruise terminal and across to Hythe. A glance northward brings the glorious Itchen Bridge into view, connecting the two sides of the city with the stadium, churches and a whole flotilla of vessels to round out the landscape of the heart of Southampton.
This development is still developing so don’t expect total glossiness. Construction continues and the rubble stacks up alongside the postcard vistas. Swing left before a particular pile and enter a courtyard. Playground furniture, benches and colourful plant beds create an oasis nestled between the buildings, the river and the march of progress.
Next to this, back on the roadside, in the shadow of one of the high-rises grows a living wall. Alongside the glass and brick, ferns and grasses bloom at the edge of a mini roundabout.
Pass this looming greenery and hook another left back into the main plaza of Centenary Quay. This space is crying out for community. There’s a gym, the library on the outer orbit and several places to get preened, but they all seem so separate. The empty units look larger than the others in their stagnant occupation around the outside space.
As the buildings head skyward, it might be better to fill the ground-dwelling components with purpose. It has so much potential and is a wonderful location. Meander around the walkways and grand staircases that lead from cafes to restaurants to make the most of this waterside living. A short walk away is the main Woolston drag, home to less fashionable retail such as charity shops and the sparkling haberdasher Williamsons – definitely worth a diversion.
There’s much to be found in such a small area if you can take your head out of the clouds alongside the towering titans of the Southampton skyline.
Cost: Free wandering around Woolston but there are enough diversions to coax some pennies from your pocket for refreshments, or a spray tan if needed.
Accessibility: The paths are generally pavements with some steps but with ramp alternatives. Centenary Quay is located on the shore of the River Itchen in the suburb of Woolston on the eastern side of Southampton. Many bus routes pass through the hub of Woolston around the Itchen Bridge into the city centre. Woolston train station is less than a mile away.
Facilities: Numerous cafes, bars and shops around. Also beauty facilities, a gym, a playground and a library for the full gamut of leisure activities. Not as many facilities as there could be though as many units lay eternally unused.
https://www.mettricks.com/woolston
https://www.quaysidewinebar.com/
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