A DEAL with Associated British Ports to use its Berth 101 next to Mayflower Park for the city's future boat shows is due to be discussed by members of the city council's Cabinet.

City bosses hope the negotiations to site the popular annual event there will pave the way to using the area for a planned multi-million-pound project to display Southampton's rich history.

The area is being considered as a possible site for the planned City Heritage Centre. The project, revealed exclusively in The Daily Echo last month, would see the Hall of Aviation close and its priceless attractions moved under one roof along with countless exhibits from the city's past.

Council bosses have set aside £30,000 for a study into the scheme, which has been mooted for several years.

City council leader, councillor Adrian Vinson said: "This will confirm an agreement with ABP for a lease to use the land at Berth 101 for the boat show during the period where West Quay Phase Three is being built and before the extension to Mayflower Park.

"Clearly, the boat show is one - if not perhaps the - most important single event in the city's cultural calendar."

City bosses plan to set up a cross party working group to oversee developments at Royal Pier and Town Quay - as well as looking into the possibility of siting the city's planned heritage centre at the site.

Cllr Vinson added: "It gives us a major opportunity to consider key issues about development on the waterfront and its reconnection with the heart of the city."

Conservative group deputy leader Cllr Royston Smith called on the Lib Dems to stump up £70,000 to fund a credible feasibility study.

He said: "In opposition they said they wanted that amount. They should stop messing around and get on with it."