SOUTHAMPTON'S radical new face for the next millennium is rapidly taking shape with construction work on many of the city's landmark sites now well underway.

Across the city major projects are coming on apace reflecting Southampton's importance as the South's business and commercial centre and the region's booming property market.

The city's vast, multi-million pound West Quay is now at an advanced stage and is set to confirm the complex as the main retail magnet for the South Coast while new housing schemes are being snapped up by eager buyers as soon as new homes come on the market.

One of the most prestigious developments is rising on the site of South-ampton's former Polygon Hotel. This was once known throughout the world by ocean liner passengers using the docks, show business stars appearing at the nearby Gaumont, now the Mayflower Theatre, and the popular venue for much of the city's social life.

Today the old building has disappeared but the new apartments, which will be known as Park View, have been designed to reflect much of the old Polygon's style.

The building project by Barratt, follows the company's policy of seeking out high-profile redevelopment opportunities in Hampshire and Dorset to recycle existing land.

In the pipeline are future major construction projects centred around the Dell football ground in Southampton, once the Saints move out to their new stadium and the Winter Gardens in Bournemouth.

"Southampton's Park View has been designed specifically for this location in order to retain the elegance and 'feel' of the original building,'' said sales director, Andrew Wainwright.

"We appreciated the importance of this site to the city and the real sense of history which surrounds the old Poly-gon Hotel.''

The first release of two bedroom apartments, with prices from around £124,000, has already attracted much interest from potential residents.

Many of the homes in the luxury complex will have their own private terrace or balcony as well as:

A city centre location within walking distance of the railway station;

Many with stunning views;

Designer fitted kitchen with ceramic floor tiling, integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer and oven, hob and hood;

Security entry telephone system;

Built-in wardrobes to the en-suite master bedroom in two bedroom apartments;

Mains operated smoke detectors;

Television, telephone and cable TV points in the lounge and bedroom;

Electric gate security parking. Work began on knocking down the Polygon in April of this year ending the hotel's history which could be traced as far back as the 1700's.

The only part of the old building remaining will be four listed Georgian houses which form part of the site.

PICTURE CAPTION: An artist impression of the new Park View block of apartments.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.