THIS is the stunning vision for a £70million leisure development in the centre of Southampton.

The new Watermark WestQuay development is beginning to take shape on the city's skyline with two distinctive towers rising from the previously-unused site.

The huge development is at the southern end of Western Esplanade and is moving at great pace as it transforms the city centre.

And these exclusive images give a glimpse as to what the centre will look like when it is completed and a time-lapse video on the Daily Echo website shows its construction so far.

The development will play host to bars, restaurants and a cinema, with many well-known brands moving in when it opens next year.

Plans for the centre were initially approved by councillors in 2009 and Hammerson project manager Russell Beresford said he was "delighted" with the decision.

He said: ""We remain committed to the development and Watermark WestQuay will continue our successful investment in the city, ensuring Southampton remains a vibrant retail and leisure destination."

Bosses have since pledged that the scheme will create 500 full-time jobs in the complex, as well as 500 construction jobs over the next 18 months.

Using the city’s medieval walls as a backdrop and a focus, the 12-acre centre is organised around a 3,500 sq m public plaza, complete with water features, designed to host a range of events from farmers’ markets to live music and entertainment and even an extension of Southampton Boat Show.

Superstar chef Jamie Oliver is set to open one of two new restaurants at the complex with his Italian and Bill's Restaurant both being part of the food provision.

Bill's will take a 3,100 sq ft unit on the lower promenade opening out onto the plaza, and will have a varied breakfast-to-bedtime menu featuring a wide range of dishes.

As well as restaurants, the new development will boast a public plaza which will run alongside the medieval city walls and a Showcase Cinema de Lux.

Earlier this year the importance of the new centre was highlighted by Southampton City Councillor John Noon after British Home Stores announced it was closing its Above Bar Street outlet.

Pointing to the development as a reason for optimism he said: "There's a change in the shape of the city with Watermark and it's an exciting time for the commercial elements of the city centre."

Firms that have already signed up to move into Watermark WestQuay include Showcase Cinemas, Cabana, Nandos, Jamie’s Italian, Wahaca, Byron, Five Guys and Bill’s.