Work on a £650,000 project to transform part of a shopping precinct is due to start next month - and will see the demolition of 'revolting' toilets.

Southampton City Council is investing in the pedestrianised area of Bitterne district centre.

The improvements include creating a new pocket park with green space and a play area.

The public toilets will also be demolished and replaced as part of the scheme.

Many have said the toilets, near Pure Gym, are "vile" and "revolting".

The local authority is currently looking for a contractor to help deliver the project.

A £350,000 contract is out for tender, with an application closing date of August 30.

Details provided as part of the advertisement state a supplier is being sought to carry out the groundworks only to install the new urban play park.

The work in the area outside Iceland includes landscaping features such as seating planter walls, grass, planting area preparation and the construction of hard surfacing features.

Play equipment will be installed by a different supplier, while the final soft landscaping will be completed by the council’s in-house teams.

A city council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The planned works in Bitterne precinct will transform the landscape, replacing uninspiring hard surfacing with a lush green space adorned with new trees and shrubs.

“Within the new green space will be a vastly improved play area along with ample informal seating ensuring plenty of space for everyone to gather, relax and enjoy while at the same time increasing footfall to the local shops, supporting the local economy.

“The initial civil engineering works are being procured with works due to start late September and run for approximately 10 weeks.

“Once complete, the play area and landscaping works will follow. Overall, we expect all works to be completed in early 2025.”

The council has allocated £650,000 of spending on the project.

Estimated costings are currently £3,500 for procurement and drawing up risk assessments and method statements, £515,000 for the pocket park, £25,000 for the demolition of toilets, £80,000 for toilet refurbishment and £26,500 for in-house landscaping works and design costs.