Southampton Renaissance, an ambitious project delivered by Southampton City Council on behalf of the Renaissance Board, took home the Award for Promoting Economic Growth at the Planning Awards 2026, held on Thursday, June 4, at the IET in London.
The scheme was praised as an outstanding example of economic growth through long-term vision and partnership working.
Councillor Sarah Bogle, leader of Southampton City Council and councillor responsible for growth, prosperity and culture, said: “This is fantastic recognition for Southampton and for the strength of the shared Renaissance vision for our city.
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Polly Barker, director, Prior + Partners, Tom Venables, director, Prior + Partners, Nawaz Khan, director of economic development and regeneration, Southampton City Council, and Pablo Guijarro Eguinoa, associate director, Prior + Partners (Image: Southampton City Council)
“Southampton Renaissance is about creating a city where growth works for everyone.
“Through it we are bringing forward new jobs, homes and opportunities, while investing in high-quality places and a greener, more connected city centre.
“This award reflects the power of partnership and gives further confidence that Southampton is a city ready to attract investment and deliver long-term benefits for our communities.”
Covering 435 hectares across the city centre, waterfront and surrounding areas, Southampton Renaissance sets out a unified approach to development, investment, and placemaking.
The framework is supported by Renaissance Area Frameworks, a Delivery Strategy and an Investment Prospectus, all aimed at unlocking growth and enhancing opportunities for residents and businesses.
The programme targets housing, connectivity, underused land, and inequality, while emphasising environmental sustainability.
Tom Venables, director at Prior + Partners, said: “Southampton has all the ingredients of a successful and competitive city – the challenge lies in turning economic potential into lasting prosperity.
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“Through Southampton Renaissance, we worked closely with Southampton City Council and the city’s Renaissance Board to create a long-term vision that connects economic opportunity, placemaking and delivery, helping to establish a shared direction for the city’s future.
“For us, the project was never simply about identifying opportunities for growth.
“It was about understanding how Southampton’s strengths could be translated into long-term social, economic and environmental benefits for the city and the communities that call it home.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside the council and the wider project team on a programme of this scale and significance, and to see that collective effort recognised through this award.”