A partnership tasked with improving Southampton’s built environment and infrastructure has appointed a top strategic marketing expert.
Future Southampton bosses say Trevor Thorne will help them continue to turn a long-term ‘city blueprint’ into practical action and developments on the ground.
Mr Thorne takes up his new role following eight years as Director of Marketing and Communications at Future Southampton partner Southampton Solent University.
He said: “Many people and organisations have come together to establish and take forward a vision for the city’s growth, sustainability and prosperity. I am delighted to be involved so directly to make it happen.”
Other partners in Future Southampton are the business member organisations Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Business South, the University of Southampton and the FTSE-listed outsourcing company Capita.
The group, chaired by Simon Rhodes, managing partner at law firm Trethowans, has the support of the Southampton City Council-backed Southampton Connect initiative and will help to deliver the council’s wider City Masterplan.
Stewart Dunn, Chief Executive of Hampshire Chamber, where Mr Thorne will be based along with programme manager Henry Pavey, said: “Trevor will play a key role in meeting the challenges that Southampton faces and the many opportunities of which it can take advantage. As well as drafting a communications strategy, his immediate priorities will include getting working groups up and running and assessing the potential of a dedicated Business Improvement District in the city centre.”
Professor Mike Wilkinson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Southampton Solent University, said: “Trevor’s unique and creative talent has played a crucial and highly valued part in the making of the ‘Solent University success story’. We are sad to see him go, but thank him warmly for everything he has done for the university and wish him every success in this exciting new role.”
As well as leading the marketing and communications team at Southampton Solent University, Mr Thorne oversaw the Titanic 100 commemorative event held in the port of Southampton in April 2012.
The Future Southampton partnership wants Southampton to be seen as an international maritime city and gateway to the world.
The group’s vision is to generate growth and jobs by transforming the ‘economic power house’ of the city centre with new offices, shops, homes, cultural attractions and entertainment venues, all within a low carbon environment.
Among the projects that have already had Future Southampton input is the £400 million redevelopment of the Royal Pier waterfront. A development agreement was signed by project partners in March 2014, paving the way for public consultation and a planning application. The plan is to revitalise the waterfront with a new and extended Mayflower Park, speciality shops, offices, leisure venues, apartments and waterside attractions.
