THIS is the vision for how a multi-million pound development could transform an area of Southampton city centre.

Developers say the fresh designs for a high rise block, hotel and office space will bring new life to Nelson Gate.

The scheme is being billed as a unique place to live and includes a gym, residents’ lounge and outdoor terrace.

Nelson Gate, on Commercial Road would see nearly 40,000 sq ft of office space and more than 11,000 sq ft of retail space, replacing the current block facing Southampton Central train station.

As reported by the Echo, the first plans submitted by FI Real Estate Management and Ellis Williams architects were revealed to the public in August 2018.

City leaders agreed the scheme is “exciting” and would provide a gateway into the city for people arriving by train.

Now the new plans include a reduced number of residential flats from 344 to 247.

They will be 110 new build apartments and 137 conversion units and a 255 room hotel is also part of the scheme.

A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management said: “It is a hybrid planning application comprising of detailed planning for the existing blocks and external areas and outlined planning for the tower and hotel elements.”

The Nelson Gate scheme will see Norwich House and Frobisher House, on the north side of the station, refurbished and re-clad, with the high rise built on the existing car park on Fourposts Hill.

The proposed development would be centred around a public square facing the station, while a new pedestrian route would provide direct access to Fourposts Hill.

Giles Semper, CEO of Southampton’s business improvement district, said: “The area around the station is the first and also the last glimpse that many visitors will have of Southampton, so the public realm improvements contained within the Nelson Gate plan are very welcome and will set the bar for other nearby developments including the refurbishment of the station itself.

“We do regret the net loss of office space in the scheme and hope that this will be made up elsewhere in the city centre. The future prosperity of Southampton as a location for office-based businesses needs to be supported.”

Mark Baulch, Head of Policy and Representation at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce added:  “Having attended the presentation of this scheme at Solent University in August, the Chamber of Commerce feels that it looks like a very positive mixed use development for the City. “This is a very important gateway for visitors to Southampton.”

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