Road to jobs bonanza?

The scheme will see a huge swathe of land formerly occupied by Eastleigh's massive railway works opened up to new businesses following the closure of the works two years ago.

The long-awaited Chickenhall Road Link has become a crucial factor in opening up what will be the biggest parcel of industrial land in the south-east.

Planning chiefs in Eastleigh say they believe thousands of jobs will be created by developing the 250 acres, as part of the South Hampshire Strategic Employment Zone.

About ten years ago proposals for a Chickenhall Link, which would have followed a route skirting the northern edge of the airport, were quashed after a High Court challenge by BAA.

However the closure of the railway works has meant planners now have more freedom in choosing their route, a move which should give the application a better chance of success.

The new plan shows the indicative route of the new road from Chickenhall Lane to junction five of the M27, passing through part of the old works and including two new bridges over railway lines.

Eastleigh Council leader Keith House said: "This will be the largest single employment site in the south-east of England.

"We do not want to see it filled with warehouses, we want it to be a high quality employment site."

It is hoped the site will attract hi-tech engineering firms and research and development.

As already reported in the Daily Echo, the industrial land package is part of an area action plan that will change the face of Eastleigh.

Councillor House described it as the greatest change to the town since the coming of the railways.

The town is in need of an economic kick-start. Statistics reveal it is languishing near the bottom of the south-east's league table of retail centres.

Eastleigh residents will have a chance to voice their opinions during a public consultation lasting until June 26.

There will be a public exhibition at the Swan Centre tomorrow, Friday and Saturday.