SUPPORT is gaining momentum for £300 million plans to transform Southampton waterfront.

Businesss and civic chiefs have backed the plans to breath new life to the sea- front bringing a huge cash bonanza to the city.

The scheme, revealed in the Daily Echo yesterday, involves building 1,900 new homes plus hotel, restaurant and leisure facilities.

It will see Mayflower Park, the Royal Pier and Town Quay change forever.

The proposals, which will be privately funded, were revealed by Southampton City Council and will go out to public consultation in the spring.

They involve expanding Mayflower Park by one third by reclaiming an area of water from the shoreline.

The Royal Pier will also be totally redeveloped while the next-door area of water, now used by the Red Funnel ferry services, infilled up to Town Quay.

Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce policy and research manager Alex Hamelin said: "It could bring a lot more business and wealth into the city.

"The city has to some extent lost its access to the waterfront, therefore it should bring more visitors and more wealth to the city."

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead said: "When I was leader of the City Council, most of the work on Ocean Village was done and Town Quay was developed. This joins together the various bits and makes a world-class waterfront for Southampton as well as increasing the vital amenity of Mayflower Park and securing the future of the Boat Show.

"Here is an ideal opportunity to develop housing right in the heart of the city, that will have an economic impact."

* See today's Southern Daily Echo for a four-page special on Southampton's proposed £300 million waterfront development.