A £160m building programme to transform Southampton into a leading European city of culture and leisure in the 21st century has been unveiled by city bosses.

The ambitious masterplan includes three residential apartments - each designed to look like giant sails - being built in the city centre.

A showcase Olympic-sized ice rink and concert venue in the city centre are also on the cards as well as a huge plaza and multi-screen cinema which will link with Bargate and Above Bar.

The so-called "gateway" to the city at Charlotte Place is also set to be transformed when a 257-bed hotel and apartments are built.

Two huge new glass towers and a public square are also set to be built near the Guildhall as part of the city's planned cultural quarter.

The ambitious proposals, which will be scrutinised by councillors in committees, were approved by city leader Councillor June Bridle today.

The plans will be privately financed, with various consortiums involved, with completion in just four years time.