Rokeby Developments - Mixed-Use Development - Southampton, Antelope Park

Date: 01 Feb 2008

One of Southampton's eyesores once described by a planning inspector as "a run-down site" exuding a "forbidding ambience" is being reduced to rubble.

Demolition of Antelope House, Bursledon Road, Southampton, will unlock the second phase of Rokeby Developments' 180,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme Antelope Park. The first phase was to relocate builders merchant Jewson's to a new 21,000 sq ft building at the rear of the site.

The scheme which has been funded by Morley Pooled Pensions has already attracted a 70,000 sq ft prelet from home, leisure and garden retailer The Range, a 40,000 sq ft Gala leisure facility and a KFC restaurant. There is still a further 60,000 sq ft to let.

Rokeby Developments which is best known for its developments in the North East has embarked on an aggressive campaign to acquire more sites in the South. It is currently working up plans for two hotels close to the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow.

London-based director Tom Naylor said: "Our contractors Southern Demolition have already cleared the derelict warehousing behind Antelope House. Because of all the concrete encased steelwork we can't use explosives instead a long reach excavator is munching through the seven-storey building."

Simon Neilson of AtisReal joint letting agent with Knight Frank on the scheme said: "It's great news that such a blight on Southampton is finally being purged and the site rejuvenated. We're currently in discussions with a number of parties who have been attracted by the quality of Rokeby's redevelopment and the fact that there are very few similar opportunities in the east of Southampton."

Remains of Antelope House

Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Construction Newsletter » Submit news