Southampton waterfront developer chosen

The scheme would create better public access to the waterfront

A scheme to revamp Southampton's waterfront has taken a step forward with the appointment of a developer.

The £450m Royal Pier Waterfront scheme will include offices, homes, shops and leisure facilities.

Morgan Sindall Investments has been chosen as the preferred developer by Southampton City Council for the site from Mayflower Park and Town Quay.

Morgan Sindall will be responsible for finding the investment to pay for the project.

The firm is already working on a a 20-year, £350m project to redevelop Bournemouth town centre in Dorset.

The council said the scheme would create better public access to the waterfront, an extended park and an improved site for the Southampton International Boat Show.

A consultation on the plans is expected to take place in 2012.

The site is owned by The Crown Estate and Associated British Ports.