Have Your Say on Proposed Solent Gateway Expansion and New Country Park
Local residents and stakeholders are being invited to share their views on exciting proposals for the expansion of Solent Gateway, an ambitious development that includes the creation of a major new country park, significant environmental enhancements, and a new direct access route to ease local traffic.
The consultation is now open and runs from Tuesday 16 September to Monday 13 October 2025. Full details, including how to respond, are available at: www.SolentGateway2.co.uk
A Greener, Smarter Port Development
The proposals would see Solent Gateway extended onto the northern part of the reclaimed land between Marchwood and Hythe, creating Solent Gateway 2 a world-class, sustainable automotive terminal designed to meet growing demand and boost UK trade capacity.
A standout feature of the plan is the delivery of a new country park, covering an area equivalent to more than 300 football pitches. This green space will provide a natural buffer between new port infrastructure and existing residential areas, while also offering new recreational and ecological benefits for local communities.
Supporting Sustainable Transport and Local Communities
To reduce traffic through Marchwood, the project also proposes a new direct access road to connect the expanded port with the A326, improving traffic flow and reducing HGV movements through local villages.
Alastair Welch, Director of the Port of Southampton, said:
“Solent Gateway has grown rapidly into a true UK success story. As we look to the future, we recognise that continued success means thinking ahead. That’s why we’re now exploring the case for a considered expansion of the port, incorporating new community green space and environmental enhancements.”
“This consultation is an opportunity to involve everybody in shaping a development that delivers lasting value – for local communities, for the environment, and for the country as a whole.”
Community Consultation Events
A series of in-person public exhibitions and online webinars are being held to give residents and interested parties the opportunity to learn more and provide feedback:
In-person events
Wednesday 24 Sept – Marchwood Village Hall (3pm–8pm)
Thursday 25 Sept – City Cruise Terminal, Southampton (10am–3pm)
Friday 26 Sept – Marchwood Village Hall (3pm–8pm)
Tuesday 30 Sept – Hythe & Dibden Parish Hall (3pm–8pm)
Friday 3 Oct – Hythe & Dibden Parish Hall (3pm–8pm)
Saturday 4 Oct – West Totton Community Centre (2pm–5pm)
Online webinars via Zoom
Wednesday 1 October at 6pm
Wednesday 8 October at 6pm
(Registration available at www.SolentGateway2.co.uk)
Ways to Have Your Say
Feedback can be submitted:
At in-person events
Online via the consultation website: www.SolentGateway2.co.uk
By email to: contact@solentgateway2.co.uk
Or by post to: FREEPOST SGTWO (no stamp required)
A further round of consultation is planned for 2026, giving the public continued opportunity to shape the future of the site.
About Solent Gateway and ABP
Associated British Ports (ABP), the operator of Solent Gateway, is the UK’s leading ports group, handling around a quarter of the UK’s seaborne trade, supporting over 200,000 jobs nationwide. ABP is committed to sustainability, with 17 of its 21 ports now generating renewable energy onsite.
ABP Southampton alone handles more than £66 billion in imports and exports each year and plays a vital role in supporting local jobs, cruise tourism, and military logistics at Marchwood Military Port.
For more information, visit:
Consultation helpline: 0800 138 9193