THIS is the sight that could one day be dominating one of the major gateways into Southampton.

Towering 15 storeys high, the City Gateway project is the latest proposed development that would change the city skyline.

The complex, on the junction of Stoneham Way and Thomas Lewis Way in Swaythling, would be the first thing seen by motorists entering the city from junction five of the M27.

Featuring a tower of 119 apartments and a medical centre, the development is the result of a collaboration between Southampton City Council and health and community developers CareCapital.

Medical service director Rick Hayes said that the project would be a huge boost for Swaythling.

He said: "Although this is not a town centre or waterfront regeneration project, it is an important part of the renaissance of Southamp-ton.

Overlooked "Here is an opportunity to bring regeneration to Swaythling, an area overlooked so far.

"For people entering the city from this direction, the first thing they would see is this landmark development.

"It will be a high-quality building with a high-quality design which will be a huge boost for the community.

"The facilities at the current medical centre are woefully inadequate and it will provide extra housing as well."

The proposal features a convenience store, 76 underground parking spaces for residents and staff, and ground-level parking for customers.

The current site is home to a council housing office and a youth club, known to locals as the "graffiti building".

CareCapital says that a new youth club would be built in Swaythling as part of the project, and that the housing office would be moved to a refurbished building in the area.

Exhibition The plans, which went on display at a public exhibition held at Stoneham Lane Surgery last month, were well received by local residents.

Brian Richmond, 71, of Willis Road, Swaythling, said: "I think the development is a super idea. Something needs to be done to regenerate Swaythling and this could be the first step."

Mike Woodstock, 35, of Claude Ashby Close, Mansbridge, said: "The design is quite modern which is needed round here because Swaythling looks dated.

"This development could breathe new life into the area."

Swaythling ward councillor Jane Odgers said that she would reserve judgement until she had spoken more with local residents.

A planning application is expected to be submitted this month. If it is approved, work on the development would last until 2010.

For more information on the City Gateway project, call Victoria Stacey on 020 7034 1949.