UP to 1,500 homes could be built on Southampton's former heartland of shipbuilding, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The ex-Vosper Thornycroft site in Woolston is set for a dramatic transformation by the architects behind the Millennium Dome.

City bosses hope the massive 31-acre scheme will create jobs and provide much-needed housing for key workers like teachers, police and nurses.

But the land, which was occupied by VT for 100 years, will retain its link with the sea because businesses are eager to make use of its deep-water quay and factory buildings.

Details of the project are still to be decided and the council and regeneration bosses are asking local people to get involved and say what they would like to see.

Top architects at the Richard Rogers Partnership, which is behind flagship projects such as the Pompidou Centre in Paris, the Welsh National Assembly building in Cardiff and the Millennium Dome, have produced a masterplan for the riverside site.

The South East England Develop-ment Agency snapped up the site for £15m after VT's move to Portsmouth earlier this year.

Opening up the riverside for Woolston people is a key aim of the project as is linking the new houses and apartments with the Weston Shore nature reserve.

Most importantly the aim is to create somewhere nice to live and work.

Andy Young of the Richard Rogers Partnership, who grew up in Woolston, said: "Our aspirations are that this should be a fantastic place. You can expect something special."

Woolston ward councillor Carol Cunio hailed it as good news.

She said: "I am very excited. It is stable jobs for people and new homes, which we desperately need. This will make Woolston thrive again."

Residents have suggested adding a library, community centre and church alongside the existing idea for between 700 and 1,500 homes - of which at least 25 per cent would be affordable housing - and marine industry. Builders move on to the site next week to begin clearing it.

A planning application is expected to be submitted by September and work proper to start next year. The development may not be completed until as late as 2010.

Officials will be available to talk to people about the project at the Community Hall of St Mark's Institute in Woolston between midday and 8pm on Friday, May 7 and between 9am and midday on Saturday, May 8.

People can also air their views on 020 7896 8028 or via e-mail on woolstonenquiries@seeda.co.uk