THE FUTURE of the former Vosper Thornycroft site in Southampton is to be overseen by a cross-party steering group of city councillors.

Members of the Southampton Council's Cabinet are due to agree membership of the new group at a meeting today.

The redundant 33-acre site in Woolston was sold to the South East of England Development Agency in April for £15m.

Plans are being drawn up for new homes and commercial development on the prestigious waterfront area of the city.

The new group will consult with SEEDA on the best possible uses for the site, which is also being touted as a future home for Southampton's heritage centre.

Council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson said that he hoped the area would be redeveloped to include employment and leisure opportunities as well as providing much-needed homes.

He said: "Clearly, making a success of the redevelopment of the Vosper site is absolutely critical to Southampton and, above all, to Weston, Itchen and Woolston.

"It is crucial that the council is involved in the project and contributes to developing the best possible outcome.

"Clearly, there must be an emphasis on employment and, so far as is possible, marine-related employment.

"Equally clearly, it is very unlikely we would find a single operator such as Thornycroft."