North South Spine Strategy SPG

This is the design guide for a series of roads that stretch from Cumberland Place to the waterfront is known as the 'North-South Spine'. Above Bar Street and the High Street lie at the heart of Southampton's commercial, retail and leisure prosperity. The guide outlines the improvements planned for the road.

The report, subtitled 'A Vision for a People-Friendly Street' has been published following wide public consultation. The strategy will in part be implemented via Planning Obligations.

The North/South Spine Strategy can be viewed in the related documents.

High Street Refurbishment

The aim of the North South Spine Strategy is to re-connect the city to its waterfront by improving the route from the top of northern Above Bar, along Above Bar Street and the High Street to Town Quay.

The refurbishment of the Below Bar High Street is one part of this Strategy. The work on the high street commenced on 15th September 2008 and will last for approximately 40 weeks.

For further information please click here for the latest update or see below

• High Street Consultation Letter (19kb) - Pdf

• Drawing of High Street Refurbishment (329kb) - Pdf

High Street Milestones

Progress updates on the High Street Refurbishment Project

Briton Street Refurbishment

As part of the Council's £6 million investment into improving the heart of the city centre, we are going to carry out much needed improvements to Briton Street.

These improvements will include widening of the northern footway throughout the entire length of the road. High Quality paving will be used throughout with Purbeck stone being used west of the city wall boundary (towards the High Street).

The improvement scheme will create a high quality environment with the installation of new street furniture and the planting of trees. Street parking will be provided within dedicated bays.

Works are planned to begin on 3 November 2008 and will last until Spring 2009.

A temporary one-way restriction will be imposed during construction and diversionary routes will be in place to assist traffic movement to protect the workforce. The one-way system will operate in a westerly direction (towards the High Street).