IT WAS a landmark in the history of Southampton docks.

In 1934 the “new dry docks” were opened – marking the start of the Port of Southampton as we know it.

Now for the first time, the Daily Echo can reveal never before seen photos of its construction.

The new docks, now known as Western Docks, featured a single quay and the port’s seventh dry dock which could accommodate the Queen Mary or the Queen Elizabeth – the largest passenger ship to be built for 56 years.

But many of the photos documenting this historic moment had been lost for decades.

It wasn’t until ABP, which runs the docks, moved Southampton harbourmaster and marine department from 37 Berth in the Eastern Docks that the photos were discovered, along with drawings, documents and books.

Southampton’s ProScan Document Imaging were then asked to help digitise the photos and documents to help reduce the amount of paper records in the new offices at Ocean Gate, Atlantic Way while preserving historical records for years to come.

It comes after the Daily Echo showcased historic photos from its archives of the docks after revealing that Alistair Welch had taken over from Nick Ridehalgh as director of ABP Southampton.

Andy Richards, director of ProScan, based in Radcliffe Road, said: “We felt privileged to be chosen to undertake the scanning of such important and valuable historic material, including old plans, photos, books and documents.

"Now that the material has been archived digitally it will be more accessible for many more people to enjoy for years to come.”

Maik Weidt from ABP said: “This is a milestone for the marine department on our journey to work more sustainably, while retaining access to all historical information through modern tools.

"Historical records from the construction of infrastructure in the docks, port records of pilotage and ship calls needed to be preserved.

"Having this at your fingertips from a database will be much easier in the future.”