AMBITIOUS plans to build a port visitor attraction above the new Southampton cruise terminal have been shelved, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The news is a blow for trade group Business Southampton, which had been instrumental in developing the idea and had hoped to unveil details of the scheme as the flagship success of its first year.

Leaders of the group, which represents about 70 south Hampshire companies, had hoped to arrange for the £19m fourth cruise terminal to be designed with the ability to have another floor added.

This extra floor would have been a dedicated visitor and exhibition space designed to boost links between city residents and the port.

However, it appears negotiations bet-ween Business Southampton and cruise giant Carnival have come to nothing.

Port boss Doug Morrison, himself a director of Business Southampton, said the tourist attraction could be built elsewhere, possibly on land at Royal Pier.

Asked if there were plans for a port visitor centre in the fourth cruise terminal, Mr Morrison said: "No there's not. The problem with a port visitor centre is that people want access to it on a regular basis, but we can never ignore the security aspect of the port, as well as the health and safety aspect. Where I'd like to see a port visitor centre in the future is in a redeveloped Royal Pier area."

Asked if public access to the fourth cruise terminal was the major stumbling block, Mr Morrison said: "We are looking at public access, we are looking at all the options, but I have nothing to tell you."

Business Southampton director David Tipple said: "We are fully supportive of the concept of a port visitor attraction and it is important we get the right venue in the right place. If this delay ends up in us getting the right location then it has got to be the right decision."