New partnership formed to redevelop former Toys ‘R’ Us site in Southampton
A new partnership between Aviva Capital Partners, Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton has been formed to redevelop the former Toys ‘R’ Us site close to Southampton Central railway station.
The partners have established a joint venture company, WBS Growth Partnership LLP, and have together acquired the 4.6-acre site, which has stood vacant since 2018. The site is a key location within the wider West Bay regeneration area and is expected to play an important role in the city’s long-term growth plans.
The partnership intends to deliver a new mixed-use neighbourhood near the city centre, with innovation, enterprise and education at its heart, alongside offices, residential development and new public spaces. The proposals align with the council’s Southampton Renaissance Vision and are identified as a priority within its Growth and Prosperity Plan, as well as forming part of the emerging West Bay Innovation District.
WBS Growth Partnership LLP will lead the redevelopment, with plans to explore meanwhile uses on the site and the potential for demolition to begin in 2026 as plans progress.
David Epstein, Managing Director at Aviva Capital Partners, said:
“This project will create a vibrant neighbourhood right in the centre of Southampton, supporting local jobs, local businesses and driving the city’s growth. The partnership with Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton is another example of Aviva investing in the UK, helping the country get ready for the future.”
Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, highlighted the importance of bringing the long-vacant site back into use. He said:
“For far too long, the former Toys ‘R’ Us site has stood vacant at one of the key gateways to our city. We are determined to transform this prominent location into a place that delivers real benefits for our residents creating new jobs, new homes and new opportunities for the people of Southampton. This new partnership marks an exciting first step in unlocking that potential and bringing this site back to life.”
The University of Southampton will play a key role in shaping the site’s innovation and employment focus. Professor Mark E. Smith, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said:
“This is a crucial site in Southampton with significant potential to drive future employment, growth and innovation within our city. Along with our partners we will develop a fresh masterplan for the site, focused on creating new public spaces and an innovation zone that will shape our region for the future.”
The partnership has appointed Stories as development manager for the project. The firm has experience delivering large-scale regeneration schemes across the UK, including at King’s Cross in London. Stories will support the partnership in translating the city’s Renaissance Vision into a clear, investable delivery plan, while ensuring the redevelopment reflects local priorities and delivers long-term value for Southampton.
The redevelopment of the former Toys ‘R’ Us site is expected to become a major gateway project for the city centre, helping to stimulate economic growth, attract investment and reconnect the area with surrounding neighbourhoods.