THE COMPANY appointed to investigate plans for a new heritage centre in Southampton will be revealed today.

City leisure bosses have committed £60,000 to a study into ways of delivering a visitor attraction and education centre that would celebrate Southampton's history - from its prehistoric origins, through important Roman and Saxon settlements, to thriving medieval and regency towns and the city's 20th-century role as Britain's "Gateway to the World."

The consultants, selected by the cross-party Heritage Working Group from a strong shortlist, will be introduced to city councillors, specialist officers and members of the city's cultural consortium at the Tudor Merchant's Hall near the historic Westgate today.

The Heritage Working Group first met last year to develop an outline brief for what is hoped to be an imaginative and exciting visitor experience, coupled with an important reference and learning centre.

As well as an outline specification for the centre, the company will explore a range of options for potential sites and sources of funding.

Work on the project study will begin immediately.

Speaking on behalf of the Heritage Working Group, the city council's Cabinet member for leisure and tourism Councillor Peter Wakeford commented: "Finding out exactly what can be delivered in this project is an important step in our ambition to deliver a world-class heritage centre for Southampton.

"The Heritage Working Group members have been working very well together and we are looking forward to seeing the findings in the project study."