THIS is the eye-catching vision for the next stage of one of Southampton's biggest new developments.

In a scene reminiscent of the Mediterranean coastline, elegant apartments overlook a pristine waterside.

But it is not the south of France or Spain's eastern coastline, but Woolston's Centenary Quay where this vision will begin to emerge over the coming years.

Construction work is continuing at a pace on the £500million complex on the banks of the River Itchen, with a second phase of flats due for completion in April.

And flats on the third phase of flats, which are also under construction, will be put up for sale early in the New Year.

Work began at the former Vosper Thornycroft shipyard site two-and-a-half years ago on the development that will eventually see more than 1,600 homes, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, offices and a range of businesses.

More than 360 flats homes have already been built at the site, and the remainder of the apartments contained within phase two of the scheme, which has 65 flats, will be completed by the end of April.

Developer Crest Nicholson said many of the flats will be available to buy through the Government's Help to Buy scheme.

People will also be able to buy some of the 329 new homes and apartments being built in the third phase of the development in the next couple of months.

The third phase will also feature shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as a Morrison supermarket which will employ more than 200 people.

Susan Young, Crest Nicholson Regeneration's sales and marketing director, said: “Centenary Quay is a real success story. The properties within phase two have proved to be extremely popular.

“We are now looking forward to the launch of phase three in early 2014, which is an important stage of the development; encompassing a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments as well as a supermarket and restaurants.

“These aspects of Centenary Quay will very much support the local economy and regeneration of the Woolston area.”