The University of Southampton is submitting a planning application in late March 2026 to build around 1,100 new student bedrooms at its Wessex Lane campus. This project involves redeveloping the South Stoneham and Connaught Halls sites, which is part of a larger plan to grow the student population to 30,000 by 2031.
The £170 million project is being delivered through a 50-year partnership with the Aspire consortium, which includes HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions, Vinci Building, and Cityheart. As part of this agreement, there is a contractual requirement to increase the amount of affordable student accommodation by 10 percent. Kevin Argent, the university’s executive director of estates and facilities, stated that the development reflects a commitment to sustainable investment and improving the student experience.
A central part of the proposal is the restoration of the historic South Stoneham House. Constructed in 1708 and attributed to architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, the Grade II listed building has been vacant since 2004 and boarded up since 2009. Under the new plans, the manor will be brought back into use and converted into 16 studio apartments. The grounds, which were landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, will also be maintained.
Construction is expected to begin later in 2026 with a target completion date of 2029. In addition to the new rooms, the project includes the refurbishment of 399 rooms at Archers Road. The university has also committed to ensuring all new buildings operate as entirely emission-free, targeting performance that exceeds national net zero carbon standards through the use of heat pump systems and specialized building materials.
The proposals follow years of discussions regarding the future of the campus, including the 2022 demolition of a 17-storey tower that had been widely criticised for its poor living conditions. The Highfield Residents Association, which held a public engagement event about the plans in February 2026, has previously expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on local wildlife and the area’s green corridor.
The University of Southampton will now await a decision from Southampton City Council, the local authority responsible for determining the planning application.
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