Leonard Curtis deal opens door to potential Hythe-Southampton ferry revival
A big step towards the potential revival of the Hythe-Southampton ferry service has been taken after The Hythe Pier Company acquired key assets from the liquidated operator of the route.
The Hythe Pier Company, which owns the historic pier in Hythe, Hampshire, has purchased the assets of Hythe & Southampton Ferry Company for an undisclosed sum. The seller was represented by restructuring firm Leonard Curtis, acting as liquidators and dealmaker.
The acquisition includes a range of strategic assets linked to the former ferry operation, with the aim of safeguarding the long-term future of the crossing and preserving the possibility of a future passenger service across Southampton Water.
The Hythe-Southampton route has connected communities for generations, and the new ownership has set out ambitions for it to once again play a role in local transport, tourism and maritime heritage.
While the deal does not signal an immediate return of ferry services, it is intended to create a foundation for discussions with potential operators and partners about how a sustainable service could be re-established.
Ashleigh Mutimear-MacMillan, Director of The Hythe Pier Company, said: “This acquisition is first and foremost about protecting the future of this historic route, as well as creating an opportunity for a future service across Southampton Water.”
“Over the last few decades, different parts of the service have become increasingly fragmented. I therefore saw this as the perfect opportunity to bring many of them back together. Whilst this does not mean the immediate return of a scheduled ferry service, it does give us the best possible foundation to explore what comes next.”
Conrad Beighton, who led the sale negotiations on behalf of Leonard Curtis, said the firm is pleased to have helped secure a positive outcome for “such important assets in very challenging” circumstances. “This will hopefully enable The Hythe Pier Company to deliver a brighter outlook for everyone associated with the long-established waterway service.”
Hythe & Dibden Parish Council also welcomed the development, with Chair Mark Clark stating: “The first thing is we welcome it with both hands. There is hope on the horizon. We can’t run the ferry from the parish council, but that doesn’t prevent us being a facilitator in trying to set something up.”
The deal follows the liquidation of Hythe & Southampton Ferry Company earlier this year after Red Funnel, the Isle of Wight ferry operator previously associated with the service, was unable to secure a revival plan.
