THIS is the first glimpse of the £400m power station to be built on the western shores of Southampton Water.

The 850-megawatt complex will be capable of supplying electricity to one million homes.

The gas-fired plant will be the subject of a major exhibition on the Waterside today. Residents will be able to study illustrations of the proposed development and discuss the project with representatives from Marchwood Power Ltd.

The 220ft-high complex is due to be built on the site of a former power station in Normandy Way, Marchwood. Work will start next year and it is due to become operational in 2009.

Marchwood Power is owned by ESB International, the Republic of Ireland's state electricity company.

Project spokesman Paul Taylor said: "We have worked closely with New Forest District Council, Marchwood Parish Council and Hampshire County Council to manage the impact of the power station on the local area.

"During the 30-month construction period, HGV traffic will follow pre-designated routes in and out of the site. Heavy pieces of machinery will enter the site via Southampton Water and the hours of working will be strictly controlled.

"Once the plant is operating, strict environmental controls set by the Environment Agency and other authorities will be in force."

About 500 people will be involved in the construction project, and the power station itself is expected to create 40 jobs.

Marchwood Parish Council is monitoring the progress of the project.

Chairman Keith Petty said: "We recently sent a delegation to Northern Ireland to look at a similar power station to ensure we're in a position to minimise the impact on the village. The delegates came back with a better understanding of what we should expect and some suggestions for improvements."

The exhibition is at the village hall in Main Road, Marchwood, from 3pm-8pm.