Former ‘Toys R Us’ Site
Aviva Capital Partners, Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton have formed a joint venture company, WBS Growth Partnership LLP, and have together acquired the site of the former Toys ‘R’ Us for development.
The 4.6 acre site has been vacant since 2018 and is a key site within the wider West Bay regeneration area.
Aviva Capital Partners, Aviva’s in-house capital unit that invests in urban regeneration, housing and infrastructure across the UK, has formed a new partnership with Southampton City Council and the University of Southampton.
The partnership has acquired and will redevelop the former Toys ‘R’ Us retail site, next to Southampton Central Station, for a new mixed-use neighbourhood focused on innovation, enterprise, and education, as well as offices and residential. The site, which is identified as a key part of the West Bay Innovation District plans, and the delivery of the Southampton Renaissance Vision are priorities in the council’s new Growth and Prosperity Plan.
WBS Growth Partnership LLP will drive the redevelopment of the vacant former Toys ‘R’ Us site, looking to start with meanwhile uses or consider demolition in 2026 as the plans develop.
