A former maritime academy is set to be transformed into new homes.

Construction is soon to begin at the former Warsash Maritime Academy campus.

Hampshire-based Metis Homes, in partnership with Juno Developments and McCarthy Stone, will be delivering 117 new homes across the 7.4-acre site.

The site, located on the western side of Newtown Road, was previously used by Southampton Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy. Two listed buildings on the site will be converted by Juno into 35 apartments.

The lower part of the development will continue to house the university’s Warsash Maritime School Safety Training Centre. Metis will deliver 38 new build houses and apartments, including 18 three-, four- and five-bed houses, and 20 one- and two-bed apartments.

McCarthy Stone will provide 44 retirement apartments for the over-60s. The project is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the area, with construction and completion anticipated to take 20 months.

The project has been designed by JTP Architects, a London-based practice. The design aims to ensure the new homes blend with the listed buildings on the site and the coastal surroundings.

A new large public open space is also part of the development, intended as a focal point for future residents and the local community. Some of the new Metis houses are designed in a contemporary mews-style townhouse arrangement, with more traditionally designed two-storey detached homes on the frontage.

The new Metis apartment building features a modern design to complement the listed buildings. Parking will be provided for both residents and visitors.

The development is located close to the riverside village of Warsash, two miles from the M27. The nearest train station, Swanwick, offers frequent services to both Southampton and Portsmouth city centres, with onward travel to London.

Adam O’Brien, managing director of Metis Homes, said: "We are delighted to get going with this development, which received unanimous approval from Fareham Borough Council’s members.

"This stunning waterside development will see the creation of a variety of new homes, suitable for a diverse range of buyers and located in a beautiful coastal setting. All the homes will have sustainable technologies and energy-saving features."