PLANS for a new transport hub and a series of improvements in a Southampton neighbourhood have been unveiled.

A “mobility hub” where residents would be able to hire bikes and e-scooters, access public transport and pick up parcels at new ‘click and collect’ facilities could be built in Woolston by 2023.

The exact location is yet to be confirmed.

But city leaders said they are looking at a number of options including former Local Housing office and adjacent car park,  the Colonnade Car Park and the Woolston Station Forecourt.

City bosses said the move would allow residents to access several transport options for travel between Woolston and Southampton city centre as well as between nearby green spaces at Weston Shore and Royal Victoria Country Park.

Cycle storage facilities,  benches and a new cafe could also be created at Woolston railway station while the existing underpass is also set for improvement which could include better lighting.

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, cabinet member for growth at Southampton City Council, also confirmed that there are plans for a 30-minute passenger rail service from Woolston to Southampton Central station.

It comes as additional train services linking Southampton, Eastleigh and Fareham could also be created over the coming years.

Electric vehicle charging points could instead be installed at the new mobility hub which would be one of the first across the city.

It comes as plans for several transport hubs in Southampton were first unveiled in 2019 as part of a multi-million pound investment.

Cllr Moulton said the new administration inherited the Woolston hub scheme and are looking to “significantly expand” on it and link it into the railway station and rail frequency improvements.

He said: “This way it will really work much better. We are really keen on a mobility hub in Woolston and I think we can do a lot more in that area. We are looking at public realm improvements around Woolston.”

Cllr Moulton said £750,000 has already been allocated to the “Woolston Mobility Hub”.

But he said he is looking at “substantially increasing this”.

The mobility hub is expected to be funded with money from the government Transforming City Fund.

A public consultation on the proposed hub is currently under way and will run until October 10.

In a statement the city council said: “The survey currently underway is very much the first stage of consultation and to enable us to understand the market demand. Once we have completed our initial feasibility we will be able to understand the costs involved and design a Mobility Hub that is responsive to people’s needs both now and in the future. This will be funded as part of our Transforming Cities programme and delivered by March 2023.”

Cllr Sarah Bogle, shadow cabinet member for transport, said: “These plans were developed by the Labour Administration as part of the £57m Transforming Cities Fund bid, and am pleased they are being progressed. I urge residents to engage with the consultation.”

The scheme has been welcomed by Sustrans, a charity in support of sustainable travel.

In a statement Sustrans said: “We’re pleased to see these plans progressing. We welcome transport improvements that provide a genuine alternative to car travel in and around Southampton. Providing better access for people on foot and bike to the local rail network will help residents leave the car at home more often, which will benefit both their health and our environment.”