Centenary Quay, Southampton

Centenary Quay is the redevelopment of the former Vosper Thornycroft warehouses and workshops that once lined the banks of the River Itchen in Woolston. The scheme transforms a major brownfield waterfront site into a mixed-use community comprising approximately 1,620 homes and 14,000 m² of commercial space, including a supermarket, retail units, bars, restaurants and a gym. The £500 million development is delivered across seven phases, with all phases now complete.

Our Role

Brookbanks were appointed to deliver Civil and Structural design services, collaborating closely with the planning and detailed design teams to develop practical, buildable solutions across the scheme, from phases 2-6.

Working on a former industrial waterfront site presented significant technical challenges. Complex ground conditions and contamination required detailed earthworks modelling, which proved critical in managing cost and material movement across the development. The project also included construction extending into the river basin, most notably to support a landmark high-rise structure.

Structural and Civil Engineering Strategy

The development incorporates a broad range of structural typologies, requiring coordinated design across multiple phases. These include reinforced concrete apartment buildings, lightweight steel-framed residential structures, podium decks over underground car parks, multi-storey car park structures, load-bearing masonry apartment blocks and a 27-storey reinforced concrete tower built from a newly formed promontory.

Drainage and civil layouts were carefully integrated with the structural design to suit the waterfront environment and phased delivery strategy.

Phase Delivery

Phase 2 – Multi-storey apartment block over a central podium and underground car park, incorporating active commercial frontage at ground level.

Phase 3 – Multiple concrete and lightweight steel-framed apartment buildings over a two-storey underground car park, alongside a large steel-framed commercial building.

Phase 4A – Multi-storey car park with apartments above, together with an additional concrete-framed apartment building.

Phase 4B – 27-storey concrete-framed tower constructed from a new promontory extending into the river basin, forming a landmark on the Southampton skyline.

Phase 5 – Concrete-framed apartment block complemented by low-rise housing.

Phase 6 – Load-bearing masonry apartment blocks, currently under construction.

Technical Highlights

Detailed earthworks modelling to optimise cut-and-fill and manage contaminated land.
Coordinated civil and structural design across an underground car park.
Integration of drainage strategy within a brownfield waterfront setting.
High-rise concrete frame design addressing lateral stability and river-edge exposure.
Phased delivery maintaining continuity of design across the masterplan.

The Outcome

Centenary Quay represents one of Southampton’s most significant waterfront regeneration projects.

Through coordinated civil and structural engineering design from concept to construction, Brookbanks played a key role in delivering a resilient, high-density riverside community that reconnects Woolston with the waterfront.

If you would like to discuss how we can support your next residential or regeneration scheme, reach out to our team they would love to hear from you.

Project Highlights

Architect: Scott Brownrigg

Development Value: £500 million

Scale: 1,620 homes and 14,000 m² commercial space

Phasing: 7 phases, 2-6 delivered by Brookbanks

Services Provided: Structural design, civil engineering layout, drainage design, earthworks modelling and contaminated land coordination

Sectors