Historical maps show that shipbuilding has been undertaken on the site since the mid 19th century and, over the years until recent times, the site has been progressively expanded and intensively developed.

The earliest records of shipbuilding on the site show that it was once open land with large sections of rough grassland around the western and southern edge. The western edge, bordering the River Itchen, is believed to have been heavily quarried for sand and gravel which was then exported using a jetty (one of two on site) situated on the north west of the site.

In June 1904, Vosper Thornycroft arrived on site and carried out their shipbuilding operations for 100 years until they left Woolston to relocate to the famous HMNB Portsmouth Naval Dockyard.

The site was faced with dereliction and disuse until the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) stepped in and purchased the site. SEEDA worked with Southampton City Council, English Partnerships and CNR to create a vision for an exciting high quality development that would:

- Recognise the maritime history of the site
- Open up unique access to the River Itchen
- Create a new urban neighbourhood
- Create significant marine employment
- Boost the local and wider economy
- Embrace the environmental and ecological surroundings
- Connect with existing neighbourhoods
- Bring a large part of Woolston back into productive use