AN AMBITIOUS vision of Southampton as the night-time capital of the south under the most radical plans for the city centre for years can today be revealed.

A new pedestrianised "after-dark leisure hub" on the High Street including pubs, clubs and late-night coffee shops, private security guards policing the streets and "Quiet at Night" residential zones are among the proposals.

Staggering pub and club closing times to avoid a mass rush from licensed premises, creating a rapid-reaction noise team in the Polygon and restoring the historic Bargate monument as the city's heart are also suggested, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Police, councillors and residents have reacted cautiously to the five-year plans, which also include opening Southampton's taxi trade to free competition and introducing late-night shuttle buses between three designated "night hubs" - Below Bar including West Quay Phase III, Leisure World and a cultural quarter around Guildhall Square.

But consultants who drew up the proposals stopped short of approving a 24-hour party zone.

City strategic and economic development chief Councilor Julian Price said he was not convinced over plans to pedestrianise most of the High Street between the Bargate and Bernard Street.

Insp Kelvin Taylor said: "Some of the proposals would obviously require a commitment in terms of finance and resources from all the parties involved, including the police."

Lorraine Barter, chairman for Polygon Residents' Action Group, said: "These proposals are absolutely appalling.

"I am disappointed and disgusted."