THE FUTURE of one of Southampton's best known and historically most important landmarks has been secured.

In the first key decision of the city's newly elected Liberal Democrat cabinet yesterday, members approved council funding of £564,000 which will go towards a £2.3m repair scheme to the 500 year old Tudor House in Bugle Street.

Welcoming the move cabinet member for Leisure Culture and Tourism and council deputy leader Councillor Peter Wakeford said: "I am delighted to bring forward on the first cabinet meeting such a positive item. This has been on-going for some time.''

Earlier this year, a lottery windfall of £1.598m was given to city heritage bosses to help with major structural repairs and refurbishment to the building - one of Southampton's most historic landmarks.

English Heritage is also set to contribute £50,000 to the repairs.

The historic building had been on an "at risk'' register and closed in April last year while the then Labour controlled city council had prepared a bid from the lottery fund.

Fears had been expressed at the time that the building could close permanently. City bosses now believe that the building could re-open in three years time with all work done within five years. City heritage chiefs will have to put in a separate lottery bid to complete the so called "interpretation'' phase of the re-building work.