CITY retailers, commercial and leisure providers have come together to promote Southampton's resurgence as one of the top UK shopping destinations.

The newly formed City Centre Management group met for the first time last week and elected Jerry Stampfer, pictured, manager of the Marlands Shopping Centre, as chairman.

He said: "I am pleased to have the support of a committee all of whom have an interest in keeping the city a well managed, dynamic and thriving regional centre and sustaining its place among the top ten of UK shopping destinations.

There is also much to anticipate for the future as the proposals for the arena at West Quay and an arts centre in Above Bar emerge to add a further dimension to the city's attractions."

The 22-strong committee, which represent all the city's major shopping centres, single retailers, commercial employers, the police, public transport operators, major city centre landowners, leisure service suppliers and the media, will have an overview of the management of the city centre and become the focus for city centre growth and development.

In particular, City Centre Management aims to raise the profile of the city centre and co-ordinate city centre events and activities.

The committee replaces a steering group set up two years ago.