A RADICAL new vision to redevelop Southampton's Royal Pier is only weeks away from being revealed.
Port bosses - who own the pier that was destroyed in two blazes - are on the verge of naming a preferred developer for the multi-million-pound project.
An announcement was expected last Friday, but Associated British Ports this week resumed secret talks with two developers.
It is understood the mixed-use development of housing, shops, bars and restaurants will be a scaled down version of a scheme that collapsed two years ago when ABP pulled the plug because of cost concerns.
The pier is central to Southampton City Council's £1.5 billion vision to transform the city and for the waterfront to eventually rival that at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.
The major development does not threaten the future of restaurateur Kuti Miah's new Thai restaurant, inside the 100-year-old Royal pavilion, which is due to open shortly.
It will rise on the derelict pier and nearby Mayflower Park. The council is seeking assurances that the Southampton Boat Show won't be left homeless.
Reclaiming land from the seabed is seen as a solution. However, the £20m cost is a major stumbling block with neither ABP nor the council wishing to foot the bill.
The council is also keen for the development to enhance public space and for the waterfront to be open to all city residents and visitors.
