A BOLD new £100m vision to breathe new life into part of Southampton city centre has moved a step closer.

Along with creation of While creating 280 jobs these are the plans that are set to transform the derelict Bargate Shopping Centre and surrounding area.

The Bargate Quarter project has now been submitted to Southampton City Council , along with these fresh new artist impressions of the scheme, with the hope that work could start by next year if the plans are once approved.

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The development would see the derelict 1980s shopping centre demolished and the site transformed into a vibrant quarter offering new boutique shopping, cafés and restaurants.

The proposals, designed by architects Corstorphine & Wright, include plans for apartments and student accommodation and provide routes through the site connecting the Bargate to Debenhams which developers say will create a lively neighbourhood in the heart of the city.

A key feature of the development will be opening up the historic town walls, which have been largely hidden for the past 30 years, with pathways, kiosks and outdoor seating lining the walls meaning local residents and visitors to the city can enjoy the historic setting.

Once demolished the shopping centre would give way to a “terraced garden street” running from the 12th-century Bargate monument to Queensway.

Running parallel to East Street and Hanover Buildings, the pedestrianised route would be 15m wide from shop fronts to the historic wall, and has been designed “to imitate the character of the gardens which were historically located along the wall”.

James Burchell, on behalf of Bargate Property Ltd and pictured below, said: “We are thrilled that the application has been submitted to Southampton City Council and we are one step closer to realising the potential of this key city centre site.

“The level of interest in the proposals from local stakeholders and residents has been huge and has highlighted how important it is that this site is brought back into positive use.

“The scheme which has been lodged with the council seeks to create a vibrant neighbourhood.

“We’d like to think the proposals this meets the expectations of those who have shown an interest in the sites redevelopment over the last 12 months, and we will continue to keep the local community updated with the progress of the application.”

Daily Echo:

The project would also include up to 80,000 square feet of shops, accommodation for 400 students and 140 private flats, and lead to the creation of 280 jobs with construction predicted to take around two years.

Buildings at the Queensway end of the project could go up to eight or nine storeys, with others towards Bargate only one or two.

Residential flats would look out over the Bargate and Hoglands Park, and the art deco façade facing the Bargate monument would be kept.

There would also be around 125 parking spaces, probably built underground and to include bicycle storage.

The new-look development was the subject of public consultation earlier this year where locals had the chance to comment on the plans.

As a result a key alteration has been made to the scheme following conversations with Historic England, Southampton City Council and local businesses and residents. Architects have reduced the height of the building on East Bargate by at least a storey to ensure that the Bargate Monument remained the dominant feature in the scheme.

Steven Frith, Associate Director at Corstorphine & Wright, said: “This is a key gateway site and the plans will create an aspirational, more balanced and better connected city centre and celebration of Southampton’s historical assets.”

Councillor Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council said: “I’m delighted to see proposals for the redevelopment of this area of the city submitted; not only will it bring jobs and homes but it will open up a hidden section of the city walls and create a pedestrian link between our great Victorian parks and the Bargate.

"I hope to see work start on the project next year."

The application will now be reviewed planners and subsequently determined by councillors in the autumn.

The submitted plans will be made available on the council’s website for people to view and leave comments.