A SUPERMARKET giant has unveiled plans for a new store in a Southampton community.

Sainsbury's would create more than 300 jobs if city planners back its proposals.

The scheme for Portswood Road, Portswood, includes a food store with restaurant, 400 car parking spaces on two levels, 46 units of student accommodation and 97 flats.

The development would be built on the site of the First bus depot at 226 Portswood Road.

A spokesman for the First bus company said there would be no job losses if the depot is relocated.

First took over the site from Southampton City Council in 1997 and operates its Southampton bus network from the depot where it employs 30 office staff and 50 engineering staff.

Sainsbury's proposals also include a children's play area and an outdoor play area with seating. Residential flats would be mainly three-storey buildings and the student flats would be built in two-levels.

Andrew Birtwistle, Sainsbury's development surveyor, said: "We believe our proposals provide Portswood with a convenient and sustainable residential development, as well as improving the retail facilities of Portswood as a district centre.

"We are keen to consult with the local community before submitting our planning application to the council."

A spokesman at First said: "First is currently investigating a number of possible relocation sites, all of which are within the Southampton city boundary, and reflect the company's continuing commitment to bus operations in the city.

"First staff have been kept fully informed of developments. There will be absolutely no job losses connected to any future site relocation."

The plans can be viewed at an exhibition at Portswood library tomorrow from 1pm - 7pm and Saturday from 10am until 3pm.