HUNDREDS of people turned out to see the plans set to transform a Southampton shopping complex.

The ambitious multi-million-pound scheme for Shirley Precinct was given the thumbs-up from the majority of people who gathered on Friday and Saturday.

It is set to include a new state-of-the-art Sainsbury's superstore, a 240-space car park and a restaurant and coffee shop.

The community library will also be expanded, a new housing office created and the remaining units in the shopping area revamped under the proposals.

Alun Davies, of J Sainsbury Developments, said: "Most of the people we've had in have been supportive.

"I think they've understood that Shirley Precinct needs a major overhaul and I think they can see we are able to achieve that.

"We've had very encouraging feedback."

The supermarket, which will be built on 26,000 sq ft of land, could be open by autumn 2004. It will replace the current store in Park Street and a planning application has been submitted to Southampton City Council, which should be considered in January.

Commercial developer Storegap put on a public exhibition of draft proposals earlier this year.

Tony Cook, from the group, said at the launch of the latest plans in Shirley Precinct: "As a result of that, we did alter the scheme quite a lot and take on board some of the suggestions that were made by the public.

"I think the precinct area and a lot of Shirley has lacked investment in recent years and this is a real opportunity to improve things."