Fawley Waterside, dubbed the Venice of Britain, was envisioned by Aldred Drummond, who aimed to create a net-zero smart town adjacent to his ancestral estate. However, Drummond has

stepped back from the project, leaving its fate uncertain.

Plans for Fawley Waterside, located in Hampshire, were announced in 2017. The development, spanning 300 acres within the Solent freeport and New Forest National Park, was designed by renowned architects Ben Pentreath and Leon Krier, known for their work with the royal family.

Initially proposed to include 1,500 homes, an amphitheatre, and a marina, the town earned its nickname, the 'Venice of Britain,' due to its picturesque canal. Drummond also envisioned creating 2,000 jobs and transforming the town into an 'Intelligent Merchant City.'

The site of Fawley Waterside was a former oil power station, decommissioned in 2013. Despite receiving permission for construction in 2020, subject to a legal agreement, the project's future remains uncertain.

Drummond's resignation from the project in September 2023 has raised concerns about its viability. District councilor David Harrison described Drummond as the project's driving force, emphasizing its potential for new homes, jobs, and environmental benefits.

With nearly 30,000 families on a waiting list for housing in Hampshire, the completion of the 1,500 planned houses is uncertain. Local skepticism and criticism on online forums further highlight doubts about the project's feasibility.

Although Drummond remains part of the investor group, the consortium behind Fawley Waterside is reviewing its plans, leaving the future of the ambitious development in question. Photo by Geni, Wikimedia commons.