Plans to overhaul Eling Wharf in Totton and build a supermarket, retail complex and 340 homes can today be revealed by the Daily Echo.

Burt Boulton Holdings Ltd (BBH), which owns the site, wants to create a new waterfront complex overlooking Southampton Water and its plans will go on show to the public next week.

The company estimates that the scheme to construct a new community would involve investing at least £17m into the area, and it is hoped that a new supermarket alone would create between 300 and 350 jobs.

It is expected that a planning application for the new development at the 37-acre site will be submitted later this year.

BBH has owned the site since the 1800s, and director Craig Lowrey said: “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity to transform Eling Wharf and regenerate a major area of Totton by bringing forward a viable mixed-use scheme for the site.

“Our vision involves the complete regeneration of Eling Wharf, delivering new employment opportunities, homes, shops and leisure facilities, set in a waterside location. The idea is that it becomes a community in itself.

“We’ve done a retail assessment and there’s a shortage of retail, and we’re trying to bring a slightly different type to the area.

“There’s an awful lot of that this is going to be consulted on but we will turn it round as quickly as we can.”

BBH, along with architect firm Mountford Pigott, has created a master plan which includes housing on the southern end of the site, with retail in the centre and a business zone in the north eastern section.

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo: An artist's impression of what the near waterfront at Eling Wharf will look like

There are plans for infrastructure improvements aimed at alleviating any future traffic problems, as well as attempting to solve current problems in Totton itself.

The regeneration scheme was initially mooted in 2012 but has since been refined and modified, with the number of houses having been reduced from 400.

Ian Robinson, partner at Mountford Pigott, said: “It’s about creating a new part of Totton and something that’s a bit different to what’s there.

“The land will be something that local councillors would like to see be put to use.”

The plans have been welcomed by Stewart Dunn, chief executive of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, who said: “From a job creation point of view we welcome it - creating local jobs for local people is a good thing.

“Obviously creating affordable housing for workers is also an essential ingredient in any plan going forward.”

Residents are invited to public exhibitions which will be held between 3pm and 8pm on Monday and Tuesday July 6 and 7 at Totton Masonic Hall on Lexby Road.