ONE OF Southampton's former civic chiefs has come up with his own idea for creating Southampton's Wow factor: remodel the city's historic common as Southampton's very own Central Park.

Alan Reynard, 71, who served as deputy leader on Southampton council in the 1970s and chaired the Itchen Bridge Planning Committee has come up with his own blueprint for making the most of one of the city's assets.

He told the Daily Echo that the city's Common should be modelled on New York's Central Park with a themed centre containing public sculptures.

Designers should also create a "treetop walk" which would allow both residents and visitors to enjoy panoramic views over the city and across to the Isle of Wight.

Improved lighting should also be installed in the park - as well as CCTV - linking the Cowherds pub with the Bellmoore Inn and creating a stylish city promenade imitating the style of the famous Las Rambles in Barcelona.

The city could even stage its own New York style marathon in the park.

He said: "A tree top walk, complete with viewing tower, rock climbing, and abseiling built on the Common high ground would, on a clear day, give a view across the Isle of Wight, west along the coast of Dorset and east to Chichester and beyond.

"And unlike the Spinnaker it would be less expensive and, more importantly, always available to people paying the cost.

"There is an area opposite the John Hansard Gallery in the University campus, it is highly probable that they would be happy to co-operate in the use of this land to link more closely Town and Gown."

Mr Reynard added that mobile ice cream vendors and a giant conservatory could also be built in the park - as well as an adventure playground for children.

He added: "All are achievable with a modest investment. Even if all of the above were to be implemented, the impact on the Common is far from overwhelming."