HUNDREDS of new visitors are expected to flock to Southampton’s Town Quay after its £3m revamp.

The revitalised development is open from today to sailors who want to visit the city occasionally as well as those who take out berths on an annual basis.

Associated British Ports (ABP) bosses say this will attract seafarers who want a few days away, just have a meal somewhere different or a town centre that is just a few minutes walk from their boat.

While the plans are being officially unveiled today, the Daily Echo exclusively revealed initial details of the work last year.

When completed the upgraded site will include a wide pedestrian boulevard to improve the appearance and give passers-by a viewing area to watch the ships.

The building of a new reception, luxury shower facilities, a redesign of the pontoons for easier access and improvements to water and electricity supplies have already been carried out. The berths have also been split into different price categories from economy to diamond, some packages include special offers to entice visitors out to the city’s Harbour Lights cinema and the Turner Sims concert hall.

A destination Town Quay manager Lex Bancroft said: “We have been working hard to improve the appearance of the area and make it more enjoyable.

“We knew it was important to make Town Quay more of a destination.

“As we were only open to those with annual passes before we missed out on a lot of casual trade who probably went to Portsmouth instead.

“We wanted to remove this barrier, we are the closest quay to the town centre and we hope the work we are doing will attract people to us and make things more pleasurable to the ferry passengers who pass through.”

Port boss Doug Morrison added: “ABP is proud to own one of Southampton’s historic waterside landmarks and to commit significant funding to enable key improvements at the marina.”

This unveiling comes just weeks after the Daily Echo revealed ambitious £450m plans to transform the prime Royal Pier site.

The developer in charge of the project produced images which show a multi-storey five-star hotel, marina, offices and casino along the waterfront.

The revamped Town Quay has already attracted some celebrities and is currently a base for British powerboat champion Shelley Jory and the America’s Cup shore-based team.

Bosses also plan to attract another restaurant to the quay and later to redevelop its two vacant units.

The unveiling is taking place today at 12.30pm at the Grand De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton.