Portswood District Economic Impact Assessment

Matt Baker was appointed to measure the economic impact of a proposed scheme to part-pedestrianise a Southampton district, improve the public realm and create more green spaces. This assessment combined financial, commercial and socioeconomic outputs to support Local Authority decision-making and maximise benefits to the local community.

This scheme will see an important stretch of the traditional high street part-pedestrianised to make Portswood District Centre a more attractive and greener place for people to spend time. In prioritising walking, cycling and public travel, the scheme will also deliver new safer crossings and afford priority to bus flows, including via upgraded signalling. 

As well as delivering an economic assessment of the scheme, which showed that it would generate over £32.5million in value for the local economy (in net GVA over 10 years), we carried out extensive consultation with businesses to help explain the changes and benefits they can expect to see.

This was sensitively managed as it was deemed to be a controversial scheme, and a lot of misinformation was being circulated. We carried out one-to-one interviews and focus groups with the local business community to explain the scheme and gather feedback. We also consulted with the police, which has helped inform some design changes and build confidence in the plans. 

By working with the Council, we have helped them strengthen local support for the scheme and ensure businesses now have a greater understanding of the bigger picture ‘vision’ to make the area more attractive to visitors. They now feel heard and invested in the scheme – and their concerns have been acted upon.