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Click for more Titanic stories from the archive

Titanic vision for £30m Museum
Exclusive By Peter Law

A MULTI-MILLION-POUND tourist attraction commemorating the Titanic disaster is today exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo.

The west wing of the Civic Centre, home to the police station and old magistrates' courts, would be transformed into a £30m museum celebrating Southampton's history if the city council's vision is realised.

The Southampton Heritage Centre is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors a year from around the world when it opens in April 2012.

Council leisure bosses want the heritage centre - described as one of the most ambitious development projects in a generation - to open in time for the 100th anniversary of the sinking of Titanic.


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CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR SPECIAL TITANIC WEBSITE

Tourists will be able to experience the disaster, which claimed more than 1,500 lives, from the day the ill-fated liner left Southampton's docks to life on board for passengers and crew and the subsequent trial.

Giant replica Potential attractions at the interactive museum include a simulator, climbing wall, survival guide, artefacts and a giant replica model of Titanic which visitors can board.

For the first time ever, visitors will also be able to climb to the top of the 156ft clock tower for a bird's eye view of Southampton.

However, dramatic plans to redevelop the exterior of the Civic Centre, first revealed by the Echo in January, have been scaled down.

The building will include a glass extension to the roof of the Civic Centre.
The building will include a glass extension to the roof of the Civic Centre.

Councillor John Hannides, Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage, said the revised design would save about £10m.

A dramatic glass complex and water channel cascading from Watts Park were scrapped after English Heritage, which protects historic buildings, gave the green light to redevelop the old courts. Previously, the council had been told the three abandoned courts could not be altered.

It's likely just one court will remain preserved, while the other two will be demolished to make way for several permanent and temporary exhibitions focusing on the history of the docks, the city's dynamic inventors and the Second World War.

The tourist attraction would be constructed in two phases, with the first, the Titanic Exhibition, opening in April 2012 - just over three-and-a-half years away.

The council anticipates the build, which includes glass extensions to the roof of the Civic Centre, to take between 18 months and two years.

The announcement is a major boost for the city after plans for a £13m arts quarter, on the site of the former Tyrrell & Green store, stalled earlier this month when developer City Lofts pulled the plug.

The Conservative Cabinet will decide within the next month whether to proceed with a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to finance a £1.5m feasibility study into the heritage centre.

The application would be submitted in September and fund the final design, costing and business plan.

Cllr Hannides said the council would only proceed with the bid if it was confident it could raise the necessary cash to fund construction - estimated to be almost £30m.

Following the feasibility study, a second bid for a multi-million-pound HLF grant would be submitted in September 2009.

However, the council knows it could be expected to pay for the majority of the build and has drawn up a list of funding streams. These include selling off assets within the culture and heritage portfolio.

Proceeds from the sale of an acre plot of council land, the Lower High Street site, adjacent to St John's Infant and Nursery School, have already been earmarked.

Cllr Hannides said the Wool House, currently home to the Southampton Maritime Museum, could also be sold to developers.

"These are the proposals that are being actively considered, but no firm decision has been taken yet," he said last night.

"We would not want to embark on the bid if we felt there was a risk that the necessary capital funding would not be forthcoming next year."

Cherished assets
The senior Tory councillor said the public must be prepared to sacrifice cherished council assets, such as the Wool House - one of Southampton's oldest buildings - if it wanted a world-class heritage attraction.

"It is one of the most ambitious projects that the city has seen in a generation," he said.

"We are creating a jewel in Southampton's crown, but realistically this can only be done if we are prepared to rationalise our existing provision for culture and heritage - you cannot have it all."

The heritage centre will face stiff competition for funding, with the most recent round of HLF grants for projects of more than £5m being nearly five times over-subscribed.

Earlier this year, the HLF awarded £21m to Portsmouth's Mary Rose Museum - but the fund's budget has since been substantially slashed because of the London 2012 Olympics.

Titanic letter valued at £850,000. See dailyecho.co.uk/heritage

   

Print   Email this   Comment
Posted by: Nick, Woolston on 9:17am Fri 25 Jul 08
About time too.
I suggest the councillors take a trip to Liverpools Albert Dock to see a proper Maritime Museum.
Posted by: Wow Factor, Southampton on 9:22am Fri 25 Jul 08
Finally, something we can WOW about.

Woweriffic, wowtastic, wowable, wibble.
Posted by: JT, Southampton on 9:44am Fri 25 Jul 08
I read a few weeks ago in the Echo that a private Buisness was planning to build a Titanic museum. It's strange now the echo report it is to be funded by lottery grants and the selling of council assets.
Posted by: Mick, Soton on 9:52am Fri 25 Jul 08
The private business venture was completely seperate - and pie in the sky. Nothing to do with this.
Posted by: Lowe OUT on 10:44am Fri 25 Jul 08
A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton.

Disgusting.
Posted by: Bore Dom, Hills on 11:15am Fri 25 Jul 08
Lowe OUT wrote:
A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
I beg to differ I watch the film and there was no mention of anyone from Southampton. Jack and Rose were both American.
Posted by: Grumpy, Fareham on 11:23am Fri 25 Jul 08
A good idea on paper but will it be a pipe dream like a lot of other Southampton council plans?

First problem will be parking for all these visitors. The car parks are full now so where would people park?

Public transport, I assume a lot of visitors would come from outside Southampton so how would they get into the city centre? Blue Line company bosses are so inept at their job they would not have the know how to organise a decent bus service to the museum.

As I said good on paper but it will never happen

Posted by: Osama Bin Laden, A Cave far far away on 11:29am Fri 25 Jul 08
Maybe they can put it at St Marys as the club and titanic will soon have something in common...
Posted by: General Malaise, Nearby on 11:31am Fri 25 Jul 08
How ironic that the building of a Heritage & Culture centre may depend on the sale of one of the oldest (Tudor) buildings in the city.

The Heritage centre could be the start point of old town tours that take in the Bargate, St. Michaels Square, the Wool House, God's House Museum, the Red Lion - all of which have major historical relevance for Southampton.
Posted by: In Out In Out Shake It All About on 11:37am Fri 25 Jul 08
Lowe OUT wrote:
A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
Whats so disgusting?

Nobody is celebrating the deaths of all those on the Titanic.

Your constant infatuation with Lowe is a worry tho.
Posted by: Tony, Southampton on 11:47am Fri 25 Jul 08
This bit worries me: The senior Tory councillor said the public must be prepared to sacrifice cherished council assets, such as the Wool House - one of Southampton's oldest buildings - if it wanted a world-class heritage attraction.

Really? The Wool House is a Grade 1 listed building. Surely that's more of a world class heritage attraction than a simulator, climbing wall and survival guide? What can a developer do to it? I know the Tories can't wait to sell off every city asset but to do anything that threatened this unique building would be the worst act of vandalism in this city since the Luftwaffe. I make no more comment on the "Heritage Centre" (although "museums" used to be adequate) but this is not the way to pay for it.
Posted by: ???!? on 11:53am Fri 25 Jul 08
A Titanic "experience"? Survival Guide? Simulator?

Will we get the full "now's your choice... do you freeze or drown to death?". This is really bad taste.
Posted by: Oswald Harvey Lee, Dallas, Texas on 12:43pm Fri 25 Jul 08
There was no iceberg it was a grassy knoll.
I blame the CIA. Although not formed until much later they must have had something to do with it (them or the OSS).
My Gran went on Titanic, she survived.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 12:56pm Fri 25 Jul 08
First knowing hot air balloon otherwise known as Southampton Council I do not think this pie in the sky will be delivered.

Second We should be concerned about the sale of Wool House. Should oppose selling of real historical and listed building with doubtful dream of synthetic models and simulators.

Civic Centre is also a listed building and an important piece of architecture. Suggested glass roof extensions etc. will be just another type of vandalism for which tax payers will have to pay through the nose and future generations will be left Tory Cllr. Hannides's Horror House.
Posted by: Home of the Traffic Light, Soton on 1:07pm Fri 25 Jul 08
It will probably be surrounded by 250 traffic lights...as that all this useless city council is interested in!
Look at Millbrook roundabout when was there ever a problem there....never... it flowed pretty well and the same as the M27 Rownhams junction which is now a complete bodge.
Posted by: Di H, Shirley, Southampton on 1:08pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Lowe OUT wrote:
A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
Actually, it's interesting, educational and respectful to those who lost their lives in my opinion. They will be remembered forever, let's face it due to the fact the museum will hopefully be ongoing for generations to come.
Posted by: vanilla ice on 1:20pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Trimmed the cost by 10 million? Maybe they could use some of that to add a replica iceberg and hey presto we have an ice rink?
Posted by: Osama Bin Laden, A Cave far far away on 1:20pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Home of the Traffic Light wrote:
It will probably be surrounded by 250 traffic lights...as that all this useless city council is interested in!
Look at Millbrook roundabout when was there ever a problem there....never... it flowed pretty well and the same as the M27 Rownhams junction which is now a complete bodge.
Don't forget the speed cameras
Posted by: Di H, Shirley, Southampotn on 1:25pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
First knowing hot air balloon otherwise known as Southampton Council I do not think this pie in the sky will be delivered. Second We should be concerned about the sale of Wool House. Should oppose selling of real historical and listed building with doubtful dream of synthetic models and simulators. Civic Centre is also a listed building and an important piece of architecture. Suggested glass roof extensions etc. will be just another type of vandalism for which tax payers will have to pay through the nose and future generations will be left Tory Cllr. Hannides's Horror House.
Are you the previous Councillor who lost her seat?
Posted by: Keith M, Bartley on 1:29pm Fri 25 Jul 08
There's one source of funding right on our doorstep. One of the most cash-rich corporations in the world which has been Southampton-based for many years and could make a real lasting memorial to it's connection with the city. It's not permitted to advertise it's products now so what better way to promote it's name than in a joint-venture with SCC to give Southampton a truly worthwhile and long-overdue site of huge significance to it's cruiseliner past. And please no bleeding-heart responses about blood-money - let them do some real good!
Posted by: Very, Pedantic on 1:41pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Bore Dom wrote:
Lowe OUT wrote: A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
I beg to differ I watch the film and there was no mention of anyone from Southampton. Jack and Rose were both American.
Actually, Rose was English.
Posted by: Like a glove, thing arent allways what they seem on 1:43pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Why would the city want a giant 30 million pound white elephant of a monument to a disaster that happend over 100 years ago when the city is in such a mess? The only people that would visit it anyway are American tourists and the very board, which i dont see as a viable revenue stream to recoup a £30 million outlay. The money would be better spent replacing the god awful "Gateway" service which just seems to be a method of hiring the criminally inept. Maybe they could re-open the civic planning office as a seperate entity from the social housing office to allow some people in the building to get some work done!
Posted by: Ciaran on 1:59pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Very wrote:
Bore Dom wrote:
Lowe OUT wrote: A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
I beg to differ I watch the film and there was no mention of anyone from Southampton. Jack and Rose were both American.
Actually, Rose was English.
Nope, the character was American.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 2:27pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Di H wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote: First knowing hot air balloon otherwise known as Southampton Council I do not think this pie in the sky will be delivered. Second We should be concerned about the sale of Wool House. Should oppose selling of real historical and listed building with doubtful dream of synthetic models and simulators. Civic Centre is also a listed building and an important piece of architecture. Suggested glass roof extensions etc. will be just another type of vandalism for which tax payers will have to pay through the nose and future generations will be left Tory Cllr. Hannides's Horror House.
Are you the previous Councillor who lost her seat?
Di H,

Gender wise you are wrong because I am male.

Yes I used to be both City and County Councillor, but did not loose my seat. I decided to stay a socialist and leave the New Labour, which has betrayed all the good values (In my opinion) of Old Labour, so left the party in 1996. Haven't contested any local election after that.

I don't know what point you have in mind, because all I did was to express my personal views on this project, but hope I have answered your question.

Kind regards


Posted by: Ken on 2:42pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Southampton's seemingly endless greedy quest to exploit the Titanic tragedy is truly sickening. I imagine the powers that be will soon be coming up with a 'Grand Family Titanic Disaster Fun Ride Experience'.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 2:48pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Di H wrote:
Lowe OUT wrote: A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
Actually, it's interesting, educational and respectful to those who lost their lives in my opinion. They will be remembered forever, let's face it due to the fact the museum will hopefully be ongoing for generations to come.
Nice thought. But knowing our Council (regardless of whichever political party is in control) there can never be any guarantee that this tribute to the tragedy of Titanic will be permanent. If they can think of selling Wool House today how can we be sure they will not decide to dispose off this project in the future.

They have made it clear that there will be X amount of income generated through this venture. So sadly this is just another financial enterprise, just like Titanic the film with plenty of inaccuracies.

Real memorial to the victims should not be motivated on profit making, which basically amounts to dancing on some poor soul's grave.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 2:51pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Ken wrote:
Southampton's seemingly endless greedy quest to exploit the Titanic tragedy is truly sickening. I imagine the powers that be will soon be coming up with a 'Grand Family Titanic Disaster Fun Ride Experience'.
Ken you are spot on.
Posted by: Wooly Worth, soton on 2:54pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Selling the wool house to a developer - I will be one of the first to protest on the English Heritage site !
Posted by: Bright Spark, Stubbington on 3:04pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Ken wrote:
Southampton's seemingly endless greedy quest to exploit the Titanic tragedy is truly sickening. I imagine the powers that be will soon be coming up with a 'Grand Family Titanic Disaster Fun Ride Experience'.
Have you complained to Portsmouth City Council about the Mary Rose exhibition?

Exactly the same thing. In fact, that's even worse (by your logic) as it is centred around the remnants of the ship, which would have been the grave for the hundreds who perished in that accident.
Posted by: Basil Brush, Southampton on 3:13pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Please tell me former councillor Paramjit Bahia... what is your lasting legacy to this fine city?
Posted by: Joe, southampton on 3:14pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I think it’s a great idea.
The building will always be protected and could even gain more investment.
Good on the council for being realistic and having a go at making things happen unlike the rubbish **** right awful Labour councillors before them. Lets face it did they think of/do anything beneficial for the city?
Posted by: dave, southampton on 3:16pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Joe wrote:
I think it’s a great idea. The building will always be protected and could even gain more investment. Good on the council for being realistic and having a go at making things happen unlike the rubbish **** right awful Labour councillors before them. Lets face it did they think of/do anything beneficial for the city?
agreed
Posted by: Jooks, Soton on 3:23pm Fri 25 Jul 08
What about a museum comemorating the Estonia disaster or perhasp the Herald of Free Enterprise with a simulator for being trapped inside a rapidly sinking ship. Isn't the Titanic a bit boring and devoid of mystery now that the Americans have put cameras on it, cut bits off it and raised them?
Posted by: allsaintsnocurves, southampton on 3:25pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I'm surprised we don't let Portsmouth take the honour of building this museum we seem to give them everything else.
I don't know why they don't try and accommodate this down the bottom end of town so it is near all the mayflower park. There's a titanic museum already down there they could just upgrade that one...although it might not be possible to fit a climbing wall in there, and that will be important for the museum!
Posted by: People's Elbow on 3:26pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Ken wrote:
Southampton's seemingly endless greedy quest to exploit the Titanic tragedy is truly sickening. I imagine the powers that be will soon be coming up with a 'Grand Family Titanic Disaster Fun Ride Experience'.
Moron, so will you complain to all the WW2 grave sites?

You and that Pajamit Bahahsruaos are dullards.
Posted by: Tony, Southampton on 3:43pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Joe wrote:
I think it’s a great idea. The building will always be protected and could even gain more investment. Good on the council for being realistic and having a go at making things happen unlike the rubbish **** right awful Labour councillors before them. Lets face it did they think of/do anything beneficial for the city?
Off the top of my head (and this is not a comprehensive list):

Made sure that what is now the Mayflower Theatre did not become a bingo hall by setting up a trust and paying towards its refurbishment

Developed West Quay shopping centre. It wouldn't have happened without the active drive and involvement of Labour Councillors (John Arnold in particular).

Built The Quays swimming and diving complex.

Built swimming pools at Bitterne and Lords Hill

Opened the Town Walls walk (now sadly neglected)

Attracted companies like Scania Life and Municipal Mutual to Southampton

Started the Balloon Festival (cancelled by the Lib dems)

Started Power in the Park (cancelled by the Lib Dems)

Built Chamberlayne Leisure Centre

Saved St Mary's Leisure centre

Kept services in house instead of giving away millions of our pounds to Crapita.

Rebuilt the art gallery (and won a national award for it)

Had the best oral history unit in the country which produced an astonishing exhibition about the Titanic featuring people who remembered it (this unit is to be scrapped by the Tories).

These are just a few of the things Labour did while in office. But of course you are entitled to your opinion - no matter how ill informed.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 3:48pm Fri 25 Jul 08
i can see the only problem with it,it will be good for a year or two, then it will be a white elephant at local tax payers cost,Maritime Museum that we got now is all you need,just needs up dating.what could be more intresting if the council rebuild the city walls and build building inside the wall to make it look a time in history say about 1400
Posted by: Joe on 3:53pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Tony wrote:
Joe wrote: I think it’s a great idea. The building will always be protected and could even gain more investment. Good on the council for being realistic and having a go at making things happen unlike the rubbish **** right awful Labour councillors before them. Lets face it did they think of/do anything beneficial for the city?
Off the top of my head (and this is not a comprehensive list): Made sure that what is now the Mayflower Theatre did not become a bingo hall by setting up a trust and paying towards its refurbishment Developed West Quay shopping centre. It wouldn't have happened without the active drive and involvement of Labour Councillors (John Arnold in particular). Built The Quays swimming and diving complex. Built swimming pools at Bitterne and Lords Hill Opened the Town Walls walk (now sadly neglected) Attracted companies like Scania Life and Municipal Mutual to Southampton Started the Balloon Festival (cancelled by the Lib dems) Started Power in the Park (cancelled by the Lib Dems) Built Chamberlayne Leisure Centre Saved St Mary's Leisure centre Kept services in house instead of giving away millions of our pounds to Crapita. Rebuilt the art gallery (and won a national award for it) Had the best oral history unit in the country which produced an astonishing exhibition about the Titanic featuring people who remembered it (this unit is to be scrapped by the Tories). These are just a few of the things Labour did while in office. But of course you are entitled to your opinion - no matter how ill informed.
Labour have ruined this country and county, this isnt ill informed.
Posted by: Jack, Below the Titanic on 3:56pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I preferred the plans from Glen Gardiner and Roger Hardingham for their Titanic and Ocean Liner Experience (reported in the Echo a few weeks ago). They seem to have the enthusiasm and experience to get it right.

Despite it overlooking their offices, I don't trust the council to oversee this project.
Posted by: Artful Dodger, Millbrook on 4:00pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I wonder which will sink the quickest. The Titanic or the Titanic Museum.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 4:06pm Fri 25 Jul 08
joe said "Labour have ruined this country and county, this isnt ill informed"
if it was not for labour and the unions you would not have what you got now today,you more be living in some sort of slum housing and having to beg for work where ever you can.have no pension,health care,and no rights.
Posted by: claire, Southampton on 4:06pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Why not open a museum for the opinion makings of the daily echo and perhaps one day you will all go there and ask yourselves did I really say that?
Posted by: Joe on 4:12pm Fri 25 Jul 08
southy wrote:
joe said "Labour have ruined this country and county, this isnt ill informed" if it was not for labour and the unions you would not have what you got now today,you more be living in some sort of slum housing and having to beg for work where ever you can.have no pension,health care,and no rights.
All Labour have done for this country is make able bodied people be able to sit on there arse all day on benifits, get free things i cant afford to pay for, make criminals realise they can go around stabbing etc and get pathetic non-punishments, ruin the housing market, **** tax payers money on a illegal war in Iraq shall i continue?

You are a NIMBY and this is why you love Labour.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 4:17pm Fri 25 Jul 08
your wrong joe, like i said before this labour party we got now is not labour it more tory than torys and doing a better job at being a tory.look back a 100 years and see what you had then and look into your own family history and see what they had,i be glad the day when labour is labour and not this tory labour we got
Posted by: GS on 5:35pm Fri 25 Jul 08
I say demolish the whole building a lets have another park. Sack everyone that is employed there. This would do away with the corruption, back -handers, over inflated expenses, strikes etc etc.
Privatise the lot
Posted by: The Boatman, New Forest on 5:41pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Ciaran wrote:
Very wrote:
Bore Dom wrote:
Lowe OUT wrote: A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
I beg to differ I watch the film and there was no mention of anyone from Southampton. Jack and Rose were both American.
Actually, Rose was English.
Nope, the character was American.
I thought Jack was somebody from the UK off to the new world to make his fortune.
Posted by: Normski on 5:53pm Fri 25 Jul 08
The Boatman wrote:
Ciaran wrote:
Very wrote:
Bore Dom wrote:
Lowe OUT wrote: A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
I beg to differ I watch the film and there was no mention of anyone from Southampton. Jack and Rose were both American.
Actually, Rose was English.
Nope, the character was American.
I thought Jack was somebody from the UK off to the new world to make his fortune.
Well, did he sound English? I think he says in the film he grew up in some no-mark US state like Wisconsin or Iowa. Somewhere dull sounding, on the other side of the pond, anyway.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 6:35pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Basil Brush wrote:
Please tell me former councillor Paramjit Bahia... what is your lasting legacy to this fine city?
Basil, If it makes you happy in having pot shots at me, I do not mind, it is your right and I respect that. But I fail to understand what your question has got to do with item on heritage centre???? Anyway since you have asked I try:
I do not believe in having any personal legacy, because whatever was done/achieved was team work of Labour Councillors who were helped by the party and some unions, including T&G.

Thanks to their help I was able to get a brand new school built in Bitt Manor, which replaced one of the oldest temporary school buildings in the country, in Stewart Rd. Considering I had to campaign and shame Hampshire Tories for treating our children's education in such disgraceful manner, it was like taking meat out of vulture's mouth. May I ask you how many times your goodself has done that?

How about leading the successful campaign to save Saint Mary's Church from developers and Church authorities? You may even be one of those who had signed my petition!!!

Making environment part of County's agenda in 80s in face of down right abuse from Tories and Lib-Dems was not easy but it was achieved. Isn't it amazing that today they all are trying to become greener than green. Pity Tories and Liberals and even some Labour colleagues did not listen to my warnings on mad cow disease and we as a nation ended up paying a very heavy price for that folly.

Helped in achieving Merry Oak Community Centre and one in Coxford. Helped in saving Lordswood forest land from being turned into an eyesore of concrete by developers.

As Chair of City Bus (Sadly now privatised) with the help of all other directors ran cheaper and reliable bus service. Can you say the same of current private operators?

Although benefits were Hampshire wide, forcing Tories to reverse disgraceful policy of operating old Fire Engines, also benefited Southampton.

How about making a Deputy Chief Constable and Assistant Chief Constable leave Hampshire Police because they were not doing their job properly. And what about campaigning and forcing Hampshire Police and Police Authority to start listening to ordinary people and their grievances, which in 80s through liaison committee's consultations etc made policing more effective, and helped in breaking the back of criminals behind prostitutions in Inner City.

End f the day judgement on ones work in democratic society is passed by the voters, considering for 16 years they kept on putting their trust in me proves that I must have done something right. Have you ever tried that test?

Although due to bad leadership of John Arnold and June Bridle Labour did not perform well (and paid the price) but I am proud of many things old Labour's team of councillors achieved while Whitehead was the leader, and before it turned into New Labour. Too many in fact to list on forums like this.

Bye
Posted by: Di H, Shirley, Southampton on 6:46pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Di H wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote: First knowing hot air balloon otherwise known as Southampton Council I do not think this pie in the sky will be delivered. Second We should be concerned about the sale of Wool House. Should oppose selling of real historical and listed building with doubtful dream of synthetic models and simulators. Civic Centre is also a listed building and an important piece of architecture. Suggested glass roof extensions etc. will be just another type of vandalism for which tax payers will have to pay through the nose and future generations will be left Tory Cllr. Hannides\'s Horror House.
Are you the previous Councillor who lost her seat?
Di H, Gender wise you are wrong because I am male. Yes I used to be both City and County Councillor, but did not loose my seat. I decided to stay a socialist and leave the New Labour, which has betrayed all the good values (In my opinion) of Old Labour, so left the party in 1996. Haven\'t contested any local election after that. I don\'t know what point you have in mind, because all I did was to express my personal views on this project, but hope I have answered your question. Kind regards
I'm so sorry for getting your genda incorrect. We all have opinions and I respect all.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 6:53pm Fri 25 Jul 08
southy wrote:
joe said "Labour have ruined this country and county, this isnt ill informed" if it was not for labour and the unions you would not have what you got now today,you more be living in some sort of slum housing and having to beg for work where ever you can.have no pension,health care,and no rights.
Southy,

I think some people are failing to tell the difference between LABOUR and NEW LABOUR. New Labour has hardly anything in common with Labour, in fact it is has become the defacto right wing of the Conservative Party.

Even in fairness to New Labour one thing must be said that it still has some decent people left in it.

I have no intention for making excuses for the failure of our last New Labour group of councillors, but in all fairness the real comparison will become clear after people have tasted Tories for two years. Wool House will not be the only asset they will sell, nor will be glass extensions to the listed buildings like Civic Centre.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 6:59pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Di H wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Di H wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote: First knowing hot air balloon otherwise known as Southampton Council I do not think this pie in the sky will be delivered. Second We should be concerned about the sale of Wool House. Should oppose selling of real historical and listed building with doubtful dream of synthetic models and simulators. Civic Centre is also a listed building and an important piece of architecture. Suggested glass roof extensions etc. will be just another type of vandalism for which tax payers will have to pay through the nose and future generations will be left Tory Cllr. Hannides\'s Horror House.
Are you the previous Councillor who lost her seat?
Di H, Gender wise you are wrong because I am male. Yes I used to be both City and County Councillor, but did not loose my seat. I decided to stay a socialist and leave the New Labour, which has betrayed all the good values (In my opinion) of Old Labour, so left the party in 1996. Haven\'t contested any local election after that. I don\'t know what point you have in mind, because all I did was to express my personal views on this project, but hope I have answered your question. Kind regards
I'm so sorry for getting your genda incorrect. We all have opinions and I respect all.
Thanks Di. I too repect and even defend others right to hold thier independent views. This world needs few more open minded people like you. Have a nice weekend.
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 7:09pm Fri 25 Jul 08
People\'s Elbow wrote:
Ken wrote: Southampton\'s seemingly endless greedy quest to exploit the Titanic tragedy is truly sickening. I imagine the powers that be will soon be coming up with a \'Grand Family Titanic Disaster Fun Ride Experience\'.
Moron, so will you complain to all the WW2 grave sites? You and that Pajamit Bahahsruaos are dullards.
With greatest respect there is lot of difference between war graves or memorials and an enterprise to make money out of a tragedy. This in fact appears to be an excuse to sell Southampton's heritage The Wool House.

Posted by: Bob444, Southampton on 7:34pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Councillors need to remember that "Council Assets" belong to the citizens of Southampton. Selling them off willy-nilly is the hight of arrogance.
Posted by: Bob444, Southampton on 7:45pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
southy wrote:
joe said "Labour have ruined this country and county, this isnt ill informed" if it was not for labour and the unions you would not have what you got now today,you more be living in some sort of slum housing and having to beg for work where ever you can.have no pension,health care,and no rights.
Southy,

I think some people are failing to tell the difference between LABOUR and NEW LABOUR. New Labour has hardly anything in common with Labour, in fact it is has become the defacto right wing of the Conservative Party.

Even in fairness to New Labour one thing must be said that it still has some decent people left in it.

I have no intention for making excuses for the failure of our last New Labour group of councillors, but in all fairness the real comparison will become clear after people have tasted Tories for two years. Wool House will not be the only asset they will sell, nor will be glass extensions to the listed buildings like Civic Centre.
We were over the moon when new labour first got in - goodbye to all that thatcherism nonsense, privatisation, greed etc. BUT we were conned.

NEW Labour is just (a) con., which is now called Labour. Perhaps NuLab should be their name.
Posted by: Vern, Bannister Road on 7:56pm Fri 25 Jul 08
vanilla ice wrote:
Trimmed the cost by 10 million? Maybe they could use some of that to add a replica iceberg and hey presto we have an ice rink?
At last, someone talking some sense.
Posted by: beryl, southampton on 8:42pm Fri 25 Jul 08
surely they cannot add this greenhouse to the civic center. Isn't it a listed building? what a waste of money
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 8:43pm Fri 25 Jul 08
people tend for get under the last tory rule,went from 1 million to 10 million unemployed,food prices multiplying 5 times a war, poll tax, stop council from building ect ect ect ect
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 8:53pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Does anybody read a word I post? I can't help feeling that my life is utterly pointless
i been reading it m8,and i do remember you and the work you done,our paths have never crossed before.
Posted by: vanilla ice on 10:03pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Vern wrote:
vanilla ice wrote: Trimmed the cost by 10 million? Maybe they could use some of that to add a replica iceberg and hey presto we have an ice rink?
At last, someone talking some sense.
Keep believing Vern! We will get our ice rink!
Posted by: Wade Hampton, Locks Heath on 10:10pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Like that's gonna happen ! And if, by some miracle, it does then take a look at Southampton's "Hall of Aviation" Now that really is a disgrace !
Posted by: Di H, Shirley, Southampton on 11:14pm Fri 25 Jul 08
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Di H wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote:
Di H wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote: First knowing hot air balloon otherwise known as Southampton Council I do not think this pie in the sky will be delivered. Second We should be concerned about the sale of Wool House. Should oppose selling of real historical and listed building with doubtful dream of synthetic models and simulators. Civic Centre is also a listed building and an important piece of architecture. Suggested glass roof extensions etc. will be just another type of vandalism for which tax payers will have to pay through the nose and future generations will be left Tory Cllr. Hannides's Horror House.
Are you the previous Councillor who lost her seat?
Di H, Gender wise you are wrong because I am male. Yes I used to be both City and County Councillor, but did not loose my seat. I decided to stay a socialist and leave the New Labour, which has betrayed all the good values (In my opinion) of Old Labour, so left the party in 1996. Haven't contested any local election after that. I don't know what point you have in mind, because all I did was to express my personal views on this project, but hope I have answered your question. Kind regards
I\'m so sorry for getting your genda incorrect. We all have opinions and I respect all.
Thanks Di. I too repect and even defend others right to hold thier independent views. This world needs few more open minded people like you. Have a nice weekend.
Thank you so much. You have a nice one too. :-)
Posted by: ana, southampton on 12:48am Sat 26 Jul 08
Titanic struk an iceberg, ice, Does that mean we will get an ice rink.
Posted by: Tim, New Hampshire USA on 4:34am Sat 26 Jul 08
Lowe OUT wrote:
A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
Does this mean there should be a Holocaust Museum either?
Posted by: Tim, New Hampshire USA on 4:36am Sat 26 Jul 08
Tim wrote:
Lowe OUT wrote: A museum to wow the fact that 1500 people lost their lives and many of those from Southampton. Disgusting.
Does this mean there should be a Holocaust Museum either?
I meant "shouldn't"
Posted by: Paramjit Bahia, Southampton on 7:34am Sat 26 Jul 08
southy wrote:
Paramjit Bahia wrote: Does anybody read a word I post? I can't help feeling that my life is utterly pointless
i been reading it m8,and i do remember you and the work you done,our paths have never crossed before.
Southy, Thanks for your message, but the above one was not posted by me. It is somebody who for some strange reason has decided to get silly childish things of his/her chest by using names and IDs of others, including mine.
Posted by: Skeptik, soton on 8:38am Sat 26 Jul 08
Southy - there you go again talking rot, The pensions act was enacted in 1908 by David Lloyd-George. A liberal ! You do socialism no favours by trotting out falsehoods, stick to facts, you might just be respected for that !
Posted by: Skeptik, soton on 8:53am Sat 26 Jul 08
Whilst I accept the unions played a part, the majority of reform was enacted by reformers:

Liberal Government;

1905 Childrens Act
1907 School Medical Service
1908 Miners Act (8 hr Day)
1911 Health Insurance Act
1911 Part 2 - Unemployment insurance act
1912 Minimum Wage act

Most of modern social reform was enacted by the Liberal party, even the early birth of the welfare state. Unions and Labour over the years have claimed credit for things they do not deserve.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 10:17am Sat 26 Jul 08
skeptik 1905 children act look at that act a little bit:-local authorities were allowed to provide free school meals.( note the word allowed)the Children and Young Persons Act introduced a set of regulations that became known as the Children's Charter. This imposed severe punishments for neglecting or treating children cruelly. It was made illegal to sell cigarettes to children or send them out begging. Separate juvenile courts were set up, which sent children convicted of a crime to borstals, instead of prison.has for the 1907 again that word pops up allowed the acts you talk about 1908 1911 1911 1912 all was enforce on the goverment by the unions mainly the miners union though striking for better living and working standards.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 10:35am Sat 26 Jul 08
skeptik i will say 1 thing lo,that liberal goverment did lay the foundation stone down for bigger changes to happen later on and to be come an enforcement law/acts mainly in the 40's and 50's
Posted by: goard, Soton and area on 12:52pm Sat 26 Jul 08
Bahia - you speak of such sense and reason and I read with intense interest but realise others have an alternative opinion - albeit they do not come up with a workable idea but nonetheless how does one get the two opinions together and make a constructive idea of how our town needs to get together - I do worry because there is no constructive ideas amongst you all.

goard
Posted by: Skeptik, soton on 1:29pm Sat 26 Jul 08
Goard, yes indeed if only the middle ground could be found. Modern politicians appear to have only one objective - self. I care not what party they belong to, the standard is appalling. Decent people opt out of the system after seeing it for what it is - ineffective.
Posted by: W H M Gill, Bendigo Australia on 12:21pm Sun 27 Jul 08
In a month, I arrive in Southampton wishing to see what is possible relating to the Titanic story in three hours. I will then board the P&O's Arcadia. I have a long term interest, can I see anything at present? Hunter
Posted by: Hannah, Southampton on 4:44pm Mon 28 Jul 08
As an historian who played a key role in researching and developing the titanic exhibition for the 95th anniversary I am pleased to see that this design for a titanic museum has finally come about. To everyone who is complaining about the loss of wool house i would like to ask honestly how many times have you visited that museum. Sadly it is ignored and the visitor figures drop every year, regardless of how historic a building is, if it is not used effectively then it will soon fall into disarpare.

Finally this museum is not going to be about the film, if they do it well then it will commemerate southamptons history with the titanic, since almost all the crew came from the city. The relief fund established from the titanic lead to the disasters fund in government.

It will not explot it will commemerate.
Posted by: southy, redbridge on 12:01am Tue 29 Jul 08
Hannah, said " To everyone who is complaining about the loss of wool house i would like to ask honestly how many times have you visited that museum. Sadly it is ignored and the visitor figures drop every year, regardless of how historic a building is, if it is not used effectively then it will soon fall into disarpare."
the same thing will happen to this new idea for the titanic,intrest will remain for about a year or two then become a white elephant at the local tax payers cost.