A SOUTHAMPTON precinct is set for a multi-million-pound makeover which will include a new Sainsbury's superstore.

About 200 jobs will be created if plans to build the new state-of-the-art store in Shirley Precinct, with a 240-space car park and restaurant and coffee shop, are given approval.

The community library will also be expanded, a new housing office will be created and the remaining units in the shopping area will be revamped under the proposals.

The supermarket, which will be built on 26,000 square foot of land, could be open by autumn 2004.

It will replace the current store in Park Street and will include customer toilets, a delicatessen and bakery counter and possibly fish and meat counters.

A planning application for the new store was submitted to Southampton City Council by J Sainsbury Developments Ltd.

It follows more than three years of talks between developers and the council.

Residents living nearby will now be notified of the proposals and the application details will also be advertised by J Sainsbury's in the Daily Echo.

A City Council planning spokesman said the scheme would be assessed in line with local and central government policies.

The scheme is ex-pected to be considered by councillors in January.

It incorporates feedback from local residents and councillors, following a public consultation process carried out last January.

Alun Davies of J Sainsbury Develop-ments, the company which has acquired a number of property interests in Shirley and is now heading up the planned development, said: "We are working closely with the council to deliver a scheme that brings important and lasting benefits to Shirley.

"Our plans will offer customers of a wider choice of food shopping while investing in the regeneration of the precinct area."

A public exhibition will be held at the end of this month in Redcar Street, within the Shirley Precinct, for existing traders and residents to find out more about the plans, but dates have not yet been confirmed.