Southampton waterfront step forward with ABP decision

The scheme would include new homes, a hotel, restaurants and ferry terminal

A scheme to revamp Southampton's waterfront has taken a step forward with a decision by the city's port owners.

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

Landowners Associated British Ports' board voted to back to the development at a meeting on Thursday.

It paves the way for a planning application to be submitted, once an agreement is signed with the developer.

Morgan Sindall Investments was been chosen as the preferred developer by Southampton City Council in 2011.

The council said the scheme would "transform the landscape of Southampton's waterfront", create better public access to the shoreline, and provide an improved site for the annual international boat show.

The current Red Funnel ferry terminal alongside Town Quay would be moved as part of the scheme.