An outline planning application by Hammerson for its £70m Watermark WestQuay scheme has been approved by Southampton City Council.

The 950,000 sq ft mixed-use scheme, which is adjacent to WestQuay Shopping Centre, will be delivered in two phases with the first phase comprising a landmark cinema building, up to 15 restaurants and additional retail space, alongside newly created public space in front of the city's historic walls. Whilst the second phase has the potential to include a residential tower containing 240 apartments, a 250 room hotel, flexible office space, restaurants and additional public space.

Guy Wells, Development Manager for Hammerson, said: "The site offers a unique opportunity to transform a redundant brownfield site and will ensure that Southampton continues to provide residents and visitors with a fantastic retail and leisure offer in the city centre.

"We have been extremely encouraged by the support we have received during the planning process and following the determination of the application we will now begin work on our detailed designs for the first phase."