MULTIMILLION-pound plans to transform a run-down area around Southampton Central Railway Station have been revealed for the first time – complete with a 144-room hotel.

Labelled “iconic” by developer FI Real Estate Management, the Nelson Gate scheme will see Norwich House and Frobisher House, on the north side of the station, refurbished and re-clad to provide a range of apartments, retail units, restaurants and office accommodation.

A new multi-storey building, accommodating residential apartments and the hotel, will also be built.

The proposed development would be centred around a public square facing the station, while a new pedestrian route will provide direct access to Fourposts Hill.

FI says a full planning application will be submitted later this summer.

“It’s very exciting,” said Chris Hammond, leader of the council.

“Nelson Gate is one of the gateways into the city from the station, so to see a brand new development is fantastic. It really showcases what the city has to offer for those coming in. We’re really excited about it.

“The mix of retail, commercial, and residential buildings will, I think, bring more people in to the city.”

It comes as city residents gave their views at a public exhibition event.

A spokesperson for FI said: “The scheme we are presenting would bring new residents, business and visitors to the city centre, and would create a wealth of new jobs for local people.

“However, we are still in the planning stage and it’s important that we liaise with the local community so we can understand their views on the future of this site.”

Developers say that the residential side of the site, which will be spread across three buildings, will house 344 apartments, which will be mainly one- or two-beds. 43,776 sq ft of offices, and 10,204 sq ft of A3 retail will also be available - with interest “already very high”.

They add that the pathway to be created, named Sidford Street, is a re-imagining of the same path that was closed in the early 20th century.

The scheme has also been backed by opposition leader Dan Fitzhenry.

“I like it,” the Conservative councillor said.

“I think it’s a positive scheme with a positive set of proposals.

“The design has significantly improved the architectural look of the buildings and adds to the area.”

However, he added: “The council needs to make sure that the area is more pedestrian-friendly than it currently is

“It needs to do this to maximise the benefits of the scheme.”

Denise Edghill, interim service director for growth at Southampton City Council, said: “Station Quarter (the area Nelson Gate is located in) is one of the seven ‘Very Important Projects’ that constitute the City Centre Master Plan scheme, which has successfully attracted £3 billion of investment to Southampton.

“The Nelson Gate opportunity builds on the Station Quarter public realm investment and occupies an important site adjacent to Central Station. It is many visitors’ first impression of the city and is a short walk from Southampton’s vibrant cultural and retail quarters.”

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, commercial real estate information and marketing provider CoStar claimed the space, where the new complex will be built, was bought for £24.1m by Mapeley Gamma, which appointed FI as its asset manager.

Ellis Williams Architects, working on behalf of FI, had initially put up plans for the space to be occupied by a Hilton hotel on its website, but when contacted for comment in April, it removed them.

A website has been launched seeking for public views.

This can be found at: www.nelsongate.co.uk