PLANS to alter a 27-storey tower block being built as part of the Centenary Quay scheme in Southampton have been given the green light.

Crest Nicolson Operations has received consent to provide a private gym on the ground floor and a Sky Terrace that will provide residents with stunning views of the city.

As reported in the Daily Echo the landmark complex, which will comprise 160 homes, is the tallest building in Southampton.

A total of 1,620 homes are being provided at Centenary Quay, a showpiece housing scheme on the old Vosper Thorneycroft site at Victoria Road.

The latest planning application related to the ground floor and the 23rd storey of a building still known as Block J1.

The application said: "Crest have been approached by a prospective purchaser who is interested in acquiring Block J1 as part of their build to rent portfolio.

"The prospective occupier is interested in adding communal space for residents.

"The ground floor change will see the replacement of four private apartments with a private gym, studio and communal lounge area with hot desk facilities.

"The Level 23 change is to provide a communal Sky Terrace created by dividing the large private terrace in two.

"The prospective occupier hopes these changes will help to improve resident experience by offering opportunities for social space and community cohesion.

"The Level 23 change will allow residents to enjoy a view over the waterfront whilst the ground floor amendments will offer a far greater proportion of residents the opportunity to access the hitherto private terraces fronting the river."

The city council has decided to raise no objection to the scheme.

It comes just weeks after a topping out ceremony attended by the Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Alex Houghton, and the leader of the council, Cllr Dan Fitzhenry.

Cllr Houghton said: "Today marks a great milestone in the Centenary Quay project and I am delighted to have been involved in the topping out ceremony of Southampton’s tallest building.

"As well as providing new homes in Southampton, Centenary Quay offers residents and the surrounding community a wide range of benefits."