Citywide partners agree ambitious vision for Southampton by 2035

Major organisations across the city have pledged their support to creating a more equal, healthier, safer, greener, and growing Southampton as part of an ambitious ten-year plan for the city

16/07/2025

Shaped by the input of nearly 4,000 residents, local businesses, major organisations and community groups, the plan outlines a shared commitment to work together to improve the city for local people.

At its heart, the Southampton 2035 Plan is a commitment to building a more equal city, and unlocking opportunity for people who live here. It recognises that while Southampton is a city full of potential, too many people’s life chances are still shaped by where they live or their background. The plan’s five missions aim to change that - by putting residents first and working together to deliver lasting change.

The Southampton 2035 Plan sets out five missions to create:

A more Equal Southampton – Making Southampton a more equal city is at the heart of the vision.
A Healthier Southampton – Building a healthier city by focusing on prevention. This includes integrating health and social care and addressing the root causes of poor health
A Safer Southampton – Making Southampton safer by focusing on reducing violent crime. This includes tackling domestic abuse, youth violence, and violence against women and girls.
A Greener Southampton – Making Southampton a greener, more environmentally sustainable and a net zero city. This includes a reduction in carbon emissions, build energy-efficient homes, retrofit existing buildings, and boost sustainable travel.
A Growing Southampton – Helping Southampton’s economy grow in a sustainable and inclusive way.

The plan had been formed by insights from the recent City Survey, which invited residents, businesses, and visitors to share their experiences, priorities, and hopes for the city’s future. The survey helped identify what matters most to people and where improvements are needed.

What residents told us:

75% said Southampton is good for green spaces, with 74% satisfied with parks and play areas.
Most residents feel a sense of belonging and believe people from different backgrounds get along well.
94% have changed how they dispose of waste, and many are already making lifestyle changes to tackle climate change.
80% of working residents are satisfied with their jobs
70% rate their health as good or very good

At the same time, residents said it was important Southampton works towards becoming healthier, safer, more environmentally friendly, affordable and prosperous.

Councillor Alex Winning, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:
"The Southampton 2035 plan is built on the voices of our residents, and I want to thank every single person who took the time to share their views. I feel incredibly proud and fortunate to serve this city. Having grown up here, and now raising my own family here, I am deeply committed to its future.

"This plan is a commitment from the council and our partners to make Southampton a city where everyone, regardless of their background, can live well, feel safe, and achieve success."

The plan was approved at a Full Council meeting on Wednesday 16 July, with citywide partners pledging to work together to bring the vision to life. The council has also adopted a new Corporate Plan which sets out how it will work to deliver the Southampton 2035 missions. You can view the City Plan document.

The following organisations have already signed up to support and work towards delivering the Southampton 2035 City Plan and its missions to create a more equal, healthier, safer, greener and growing city:

Southampton Airport
Southampton Council of Faiths
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust City College (South Hampshire College Group)
University of Southampton
University Hospital Southampton
Southampton Voluntary Services
Southampton Football Club
Solent University
ABP Bluestar Buses
Southampton Forward
Go! Southampton
National Oceanography Centre
Nicolas James NHS Foundation Trust
NHS Hampshire & IOW ICB