A “SOFT play” operator is proposed to take over a long-vacant unit which was once set to be a supermarket.

In papers released by Southampton City Council, it was revealed that company Altitude Jump will take over the flagship store in Centenary Quay after developer Crest Nicholson changed the building’s licence to leisure use.

Although labelled by the council as “soft play”, it is understood the Altitude Jump will be a trampoline play facility.

Crest Nicholson did not wish to comment when approached as plans weren’t yet finalised.

It previously said that it had been “actively searching for occupiers for the foodstore”.

As reported, it was originally meant to be occupied by Morrisons, but the supermarket giants pulled out more than three years ago.

The documents were part of plans to also change a small part of the unit to storage use for an unnamed self-storage company to operate out of. This was approved by the council.

This news was somewhat welcomed by local member for Woolston Councillor Warwick Payne.

He said: “I’ve heard about some leisure operators being interested in the Morrisons unit, such as an indoor climbing centre and a soft play venue.

“Also, it makes sense to use the rear of the unit for storage as this has very little natural light and wouldn’t suit most retailers.

“The crucial thing is getting somebody into the Morrisons unit, and if that’s not going to be Morrisons then the company needs to sell up and move on, and stop leaving Woolston in limbo. Other firms are interested, so let’s make something happen and provide some much-needed local jobs.”

As reported, the Centenary Quay site will be home to Southampton tallest building at 27-storeys, and will measure 89m in height.

It comes as part of the area’s £500 million redevelopment, which includes 1,620 homes.