RED Funnel’s Southampton terminal could be re-located under ambitious waterfront development plans.
It would give the ferry company purpose-built facilities — much larger and with better road access than its current terminal.
The scheme is being floated by Associated British Ports (ABP), which owns the land currently occupied by Red Funnel’s Royal Pier terminal and the waterfront, including Trafalgar Dock.
If Red Funnel was to re-locate it would scupper the £8 million plan for the Aeronautica attraction, which is designed to celebrate Southampton’s maritime and aviation history.
Aeronautica was originally planned for the part of Trafalgar Docks now put forward in an early development plan for Red Funnel’s terminal.
The cost of the comprehensive waterfront scheme has been put at £500 million but ABP stressed no decisions had been made.
Red Funnel sales and marketing director Jonathan Green said: "Red Funnel is participating in discussions with stakeholders concerning the redevelopment of the Southampton Royal Pier site and the potential move of the ferry operation to a new site within the port.
"Plans are at an early stage and, due to current market conditions, there is no firm commitment or timescale."
Reporter: richardw@iwcpmail.co.uk