RADICAL plans to transform a Southampton shopping precinct move a step further tonight.

The ambitious multi-million pound project in Shirley, which will include a Sainsbury's superstore, is expected to be completed by autumn 2004.

Council bosses are set to approve passing the leasehold of the precinct over to Sainsbury Developments when they meet at the Civic Centre.

It will see the community library expanded and a new housing office created, as well as revamps to remaining units in the area.A formal planning application goes before the city council next month.Hundreds of people flocked to an exhibition detailing the proposals last month and most gave the thumbs up.

The new store, which will be built on 26,000 sq ft of land and will replace the current smaller store in Park Street and will include customer toilets, a delicatessen and bakery counter and possibly fish and meat counters.

The store proposals, unveiled by the Daily Echo in October, follows more than three years of talks between developers and the council.

A report for tonight's Cabinet meeting said: "The public consultation showed a wish for the retention of smaller retail businesses on the parade.

"The retention of the post office and chemist was always intended, but better quality and sized units will be provided to attract good quality tenants.

"Some businesses from the precinct have relocated to Shirley High Street and there are early signs of strengthening retail activity with the prospect of a redevelopment."

Council leader councillor June Bridle said: This would be very good news for Shirley.

The precinct is looking quite jaded now so this will breathe life back into it and be a great facility for the residents there.