Winchester civic chiefs have given plans for a flagship £7 million super-library the stamp of approval.

The lending library in Jewry Street is to be refurbished and turned into a discovery and cultural centre with an art gallery, lecture hall, museum and education facilities and a new main entrance.

Planners at the city council were told the scheme had been designed to respect the listed library building, which is the city's former corn exchange.

Extensions will be added at the back and side of the library and a new piazza, dubbed Theatre Square, will be provided between the library and the Theatre Royal.

New public toilets will also be built.

The plans will go to the county council for a final decision but the city council's planning committee was asked for comments and approval of the scheme.

Members of the committee said they hoped an archaeological evaluation of the site wouldn't hold the development up.

Councillor Patrick Davies said: "This will be a splendid new feature for Winchester."

Chairman of the committee Councillor Georgina Busher added: "I hope this is going to be a huge success and I'm glad we are having a part in it."

Members gave the plans their approval and raised no objections.