FOR more than six years the land has stood dormant, but now plans have been revealed for a prestigious development in Eastleigh, continuing the town's transformation into a home for business.

Developers want to turn part of the former Pirelli Cables factory site in Leigh Road into commercial space by erecting two large landmark four-storey office blocks.

The offices would be able to house more than 550 workers, potentially providing a further employment boom for Eastleigh following a depressing 2006 in which several high- profile industries quit the town.

Already this year technology firm NDS has said that it is doubling its operations at its nearby Chandler's Ford base, providing 250 new jobs.

And Highland Developments say their plans for the Leigh Road site - the latest piece in the jigsaw of redeveloping the massive former Pirelli factory - will attract more businesses to the area.

Although planning permission was obtained in 2002 for a single 62,000 sq ft office building at a major gateway to the town, the developers struggled to find a firm to commit to the plans.

But they believe that they should have no problems attracting companies to lease their newly proposed two 28,000 sq ft buildings, which they want to build regardless of whether a tenant has been secured.

The offices themselves, which will feature heavy use of glass and aluminium, will be connected on the second and third floors through elevated walkways and meeting rooms.

Entry to a car park with 120 spaces, to the rear of the 1.5-acre site, would be via a new access point on Sopwith Road.

Highland believes that the plans will help to transform one of the major routes into Eastleigh, which links the town to the M3.

"Instead of a vacant site of the old Pirelli factory, a new modern image will be visible on the skyline and streetscape of Leigh Road," reads their design statement.

"In the existing urban landscape the building will act as a landmark building providing category A' quality office environment for people to work in."

Members of the public are now being invited to submit their comments on the proposals to Eastleigh Borough Council, until March 29.

It is expected that a decision on the application will be made by the head of development control following the end of the public consultation.

Plans for the former site of the Pirelli factory on Leigh Road in Eastleigh.