'Ambitious' plans for city's regeneration revealed

Plans for the city include the creation of an entertainment district on the waterfront near St Mary's Stadium

'Ambitious' plans for the complete regeneration of a city centre have been revealed.

Southampton City Council's proposals include plans for a mass transit system and major changes to the waterfront area near St Mary's Stadium.

Plans to build more homes and put more money into existing social housing are also featured.

The council said the Renaissance Vision plan was "fundamental" to the region's growth and Southampton could be "reborn" with investment.

Southampton City Council is looking for investors in the project, which it said was "fundamental" to improving the city

The plans are being led by Southampton City Council, working alongside organisations including Network Rail, Southampton FC and the city's universities.

They focus on five areas of the city to be regenerated: Mayflower Waterfront, West Bay, Heart of the City, Itchen Riverside and Ocean Village.

The proposals, that were unveiled at an event in the city's MAST theatre, include "innovative mass transit", alongside more investment in public transport and active travel.

Development of a "sport and entertainment district" at the waterfront near St Mary's Stadium is also planned.

'Chance to thrive'

After the launch the council said the city could be "reborn with a focus on growth for all".

"New homes and entertainment and cultural venues [would give] everyone in Southampton the chance to thrive", it said.

The vision would also see investment in social housing, including the regeneration of the Northam area.

In May last year Southampton City Council announced it had appointed a consultancy to lead the city's development.

The council said it was in the "process of refining [its] delivery plans on the project" and was looking for investors.

It comes as a new fund is set to be created by the council with the aim of "accelerating economic growth".

If approved by full council next week, £8m will be invested across the city per year up to 2028/29 from a revolving regeneration fund (RRF).

In December it was announced St Mary's Stadium would be expanded and a new riverside development of homes and businesses would be created.