THIS is the first glimpse of how a run-down brownfield site in Southampton could look following a multi-million pound redevelopment project.

Planning bosses at Southampton City Council have given the green light to a scheme which will see the redundant seven-storey Antelope House in Bursledon Road demolished and replaced with a new warehouse for building supplies company Jewson.

Other elements of the scheme include a bingo hall, a health and fitness facility, a children's play area, a fast food store and a medical centre.

Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created at the site - as well as creating much needed leisure facilities for the local community.

About 180 members of the Thornhill community attended a public consultation exercise on the planned redevelopment of the site in October 2004.

About 95 per cent of residents backed the scheme following a questionnaire. Construction is due to begin within the next nine months.

Tom Naylor from Rokeby (Southern), the company which will rebuild the site, said: "We're delighted that this scheme has been approved by the council. The demolition of the existing eyesore and the provision of hundreds of new jobs will be good news for the entire community."

The project was given the go-ahead by members of Southampton City Council's planning and rights of way panel.

Panel chairman Councillor June Bridle said: "Everybody recognises that the development will act as a regenerator for the area. It will be an asset for everybody in the east of the city."