THE future of Southampton's nationally important Solent Sky Museum has been secured after plans for a "spectacular" revamp were given the go ahead.
The tatty museum - described by one councillor as looking like a Toys R Us store - will be rebuilt within a six-storey building containing 50 flats.
It is hoped the new-look museum, off Albert Road South, could be open in two years after a developer won outline planning permission.
Solent Sky curator Squadron Leader Alan Jones said: "Until recently we had an uncertain future. This decision not only establishes us in the city but gives us the opportunity to develop the museum in an exciting and innovative way."
Mr Jones said extra space would allow more aircraft to go on display and added that he hoped to attract external exhibitions by improving the museum's "corporate image."
Mr Jones ruled out another rebranding of the 22-year-old museum, formerly called the Southampton Hall of Aviation. However, he said the city council had a large part to play boosting Southampton's overall attractions to tourists.
Visitor numbers to the museum have dropped from 40,000 to just 15,000 in recent years. The museum rebuild is being financed as part of a redevelopment of the area by Kings Oak Partnership. It will also see a complex of 53 flats and four commercial units, up to seven storeys high, built off Canute Road, with 18 car parking spaces.
The museum will have 29 parking spaces for visitors and residents, although no dedicated coach park.
Space for the 424 (City of Southamp-ton) Squadron ATC which sublets part of the present museum will be retained, but cut by about one third.
Five protected trees will be retained and developers plan to close and raise a stretch of Albert Road South between the sites to provide an escape route from lower ground in case of flooding. The plan will provide a further 17 parking spaces.
