Plans have been approved for the leisure-led £70m Watermark WestQuay development in Southampton City Centre.

Developer Hammerson – which also owns and manages the nearby WestQuay Shopping Centre – won unanimous support from local councillors for a 10 screen cinema, up to 20 restaurants and a major public piazza.

The new public square to be located in front of the city’s historic wall has been inspired by water pools created by mudflats on the Southampton coastline and includes a unique water feature that ebbs and flows like the tide. The piazza will also be used during the year for events such as open air cinemas and concerts.

Work is expected to start on the initial phase later this autumn, with Watermark WestQuay set to open in autumn 2016.

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.

ACME is masterplanner and architect for Watermark WestQuay, Grant Associates is the landscape designers and Barton Wilmore is providing planning advice on the project.

"This site offers a unique opportunity to deliver an exceptional leisure and dining destination for Southampton,” said Hammerson development manager Guy Wells.

“We have been encouraged with the level of support we have received on the scheme from stakeholders and we have worked hard with the council to create a scheme which is already generating strong interest from potential occupiers.”