Southampton Vision 2026

• a culturally diverse city free from discrimination which welcomes new communities and provides opportunities for everyone to contribute to the life of the city and its region
• a place which promotes health and wellbeing and continuously improves the quality of life of all its people   
• a place with partnership and shared leadership at its core where local people are informed, involved and listened to

Learning and innovation at its heart achieved by being

• an international centre for learning and development, particularly in the marine sector, led by the two Universities, one with its world class reputation for research and innovation and the other as a major centre for vocational and professional learning
• a talent magnet, the result of sustained collaboration between universities, colleges, business support services and employers, which is committed to enabling its citizens to develop and attracting new people and enterprise into the city
• a city with excellent education from the earliest years through to schools and colleges, which encourages people to value learning throughout their lives

A dynamic business environment achieved by being

• at the forefront of developing a knowledge based economy
• a place which develops and attracts successful, creative and innovative businesses, particularly in knowledge based and service industries as well as a thriving health and care sector
• a city with an enterprising business community which recognises the contribution they can make to the city experience and which enthusiastically participates in, supports and sponsors activities

An attractive, sustainable and stimulating environment achieved by being

• A well positioned city with excellent transport infrastructure providing world-wide links through land, air and sea and internally well connected with the imaginative and creative use of public spaces
• a city which lives within clear environmental limits and is responsive to the impact of climate change
• well maintained with a high quality public realm, featuring distinctive, quality buildings, some iconic, offering a mix of accommodation including affordable housing, family housing and attractive, safe and welcoming open spaces for everyone

Imaginative arts and cultural opportunities achieved by being

• a centre of national excellence for the arts and culture - building on the major strengths of existing venues and collections, and encouraging new ventures.
• a place that fosters and celebrates creative and media industries, contemporary and performance arts, arts reflecting the city’s communities and arts in education
• a place which celebrates and shares its rich maritime heritage with ever increasing numbers of visitors from around the world; a heritage that is carefully preserved and actively brought to life for the benefit of visitors and residents alike

A unique sense of place achieved by being

• a place that people naturally gravitate towards for a high quality experience in all aspects of urban life and that people are proud to promote
• a place that is both confident in its role at the heart of the region, that stimulates development outside its boundaries and which is valued beyond the city region
• a city which celebrates its relationship with the sea through maritime heritage, innovation, business, learning, physical landscape and events
• a place with distinctive neighbourhoods and district centres providing a focus for local services and community activities