THIS is the first image of how a Southampton community's new Sainsbury's store will look.

The state-of-the-art supermarket is the main feature in a multi-million-pound redevelopment planned for Shirley precinct.

The opening of the new store, which could be by autumn 2004, will create about 200 jobs and will include a 240-space car park, restaurant and coffee shop.

It will replace the current smaller store in Park Street and will also include an in-store bakery, a delicatessen and possibly fish and meat counters.

As part of the proposals to build the store on a 26,000 sq ft piece of land, developers say they also hope to expand the community library, build a new housing office and revamp the remaining units in the precinct.

The plans, which have just been submitted to Southampton City Council, will be unveiled to the public this week.

An exhibition will take place at 14 Redcar Street on Friday between 10am and 4pm and on Saturday between 10am and 1pm.

The application is being assessed by city planners and is expected to be considered by councillors in January.

Alun Davies, of J Sainsbury Developments, said: "Our proposals have taken into account much of the feedback received when the council and the developer, Storegap, put on a public exhibition of proposals for the redevelopment of Shirley Precinct earlier this year.

"As a result we are confident that the vast majority of people will welcome the revised plans. However, as always, we are keen to speak to local residents and traders to receive as much constructive feedback as possible."

Members of the development team will be at the exhibition to answer questions and discuss the plans in more detail.