MAJORITY LABOUR COUNCIL VOTE TO SELL VITAL CHALK RIVER, ACTIVITY CENTRE AND SSSI TO COMPANY PREVIOUSLY FINED £90M FOR ILLEGAL SEWAGE DISCHARGES.
SOUTHAMPTON, Hampshire 16th JULY 2025 – Popular Southampton site Woodmill Activity Centre and surrounding land, including a designated site of Special Scientific Interest, has today been given the green light by a majority Labour Council to be sold to Southern Water, a company owned in the main by Australian Equity firm Macquarie Asset Management.
Southern Water has come under fire since it’s fine of £90m in 2021 for illegal discharges along coast and inland waterways, and recently due to its local discharges at the Portswood Wastewater Treatment site.
Many local conservation and action groups have voiced concern and dismay at the speed at which this vital Southampton asset has been sold off, arguing that no public consultations have been undertaken.
This is something that the local Green Party has also been highlighting, both in the Council, and speaking in solidarity with local groups and residents.
Councillor for Portswood, Highfield and St Denys, Katherine Barbour of the Green Party said: “Southampton’s Itchen River provides habitat for the endangered Atlantic Salmon and sanctuary to swimmers, boaters and leisure-seekers alike. The designated Site of Special Scientific Interest shelters creatures such as deer, insects, lizards, birds, and native plants. The speed at which this sale has been decided is worrying and I fear for the impact on the one of the city’s most precious resources.”
“Being a resident of St Denys, I’m more than aware how Southern Water have been carrying out their duties. I’m sad to say I was the only councillor in my ward to publicly speak out against this hurried sale. The Water Companies are accountable to shareholders and not residents, I just hope they protect our river as the responsibility of owning this land demands.”
It is reported that the Woodmill Activity Centre and associated land was sold for less than the price of a 4-bed house in Southampton, at just £500,000.
Councillor for Coxford, Matt Renyard of the Green Party added: “Although we are sensitive to the financial needs of the City Council, we are concerned at the speed of the sale agreement, and as Councillors have not been privy to the terms of the sale. We are yet to see if the promises of Southern Water regarding taking over and protecting this vital ecological site are written in ink or have been verbalised. We are pleased to see the Scouts are set to sublet the activity centre and hope that it will continue to provide river access to residents and young people alike.”
About Cllr. Katherine Barbour
As a Councillor for Portswood, Highfield and St Denys, Katherine is committed to preserving and growing green and blue spaces in the city and is active in local organisations which focus on the river and green areas. She is a member of Friends of Portswood Recreation Ground and Friends of Itchen Estuary and is on the committee of the St Denys Community Centre association.
About Cllr. Matthew Renyard
Matt is in his 7th year representing the ward of Coxford as a Councillor. In that time, he has worked with residents on the issues that matter to them locally. He has fought to end austerity in the interest of the ordinary people that he serves. He moved to the Green Party in 2025 in order to maintain his credibility and continue to serve his ward in this regard. He believes in a rebalancing of the economy and the development of a Green New Deal that benefits people, planet and future generations.