Demolition plans submitted for old Toys R Us site

Plans have been filed to demolish the former Toys R Us building in Southampton as part of the next step towards redeveloping the site.

WBS Growth Partnership, which owns the 4.6-acre site near the city's central railway station, has applied for prior approval to demolish the building while keeping its steel frame and internal structure.

The partnership - a joint venture between Aviva Capital Partners, Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton Holdings - said the retained structure could have temporary uses while longer-term plans are worked up.

If approved, demolition and site preparation work would begin next month.

Any future redevelopment would be subject to further planning applications and consultation.

Sebastian Thomas, development manager for the partnership, said the retained frame would create opportunities for "meanwhile uses" that "bring people together, support innovation and creativity, and begin to showcase the exciting future we are working towards for the area".

"While demolition is necessary to prepare the site for long-term redevelopment, we are keen to ensure the space remains active and contributes to the city from the earliest possible stage," he said.

The site on Western Esplanade has been vacant since Toys R Us collapsed in 2018, and was previously used to store donations for Ukraine in 2022.

The partnership has said it wants the site to become a mixed-use neighbourhood focused on innovation, enterprise and education, alongside offices and residential space, as part of the wider Southampton Renaissance Vision for the city centre.