Final plans for a £70m leisure development in Southampton are expected to be put to the city’s council for consideration later this month.

Developers Hammerson are seeking to gain final permission for the creation of a new complex at the Watermark WestQuay site – designed by architects ACME – with the regeneration looking to transform a derelict area into a beacon of activity by 2016.

The complex would feature a ten-screen cinema, restaurants, bars and a bowling alley integrated into a space that makes use of progressive public areas, designed to mimic Hampshire’s famous coastline.

The site’s developers believe that construction could start later this year, with 500 construction jobs being created. This would potentially be matched by the same number of permanent positions being generated once the facility is operational.

After this first phase of developments, Hammerson is looking to introduce a second phase, which will see the creation of a hotel, retail and office space, a residential tower and underground parking.

Plans for the project have been around for five years, with Hammerson finally gaining outline planning permission for the new development last year.

The developers are now set to put forward more detailed plans exploring architectural elements, as well as landscaping design and materials being used, having had a £7m grant approved by the Government to get the project rolling.

Hammerson also owns and manages the nearby WestQuay Shopping Centre.