MAJOR plans to transform a key Hampshire site which currently stands derelict could bring 300 new jobs to the county.

Plans have been submitted to redevelop the former Magistrates' Court and Civic Centre site at the gateway to Eastleigh, which has stood vacant for 18 months.

Eastleigh Borough Council hope to bring new life to the prime site close to the M3 slip road, by creating a retail park complete with a car dealership, two restaurants and an office block.

If given the go head the transformation could see up to 300 new jobs to the centre of the borough, a move that has been praised by councillors.

The outline planning application, submitted by Eastleigh Borough Council states the hope to split the site on Leigh Road into three parts, a car dealership with three show rooms, two fast food restaurants and an office space.

The proposals also include room for car parking and landscaping, once the demolition of the existing magistrates court and civic centre building has taken place.

The Civic Centre, which employed 300 people, has been vacant since Match 2014, while music charity SoCo, has been temporarily been using the old court building.

Daily Echo:

Cllr Chris Thomas outside the civic centre

The documents state that no companies have been confirmed for the site but the office space will provide a range of skilled and unskilled employment opportunities.

It adds: "Whilst there are no figures available for the proposed number of jobs, it is anticipated that a similar number of jobs to the previous Civic Centre will be provided on the site."

The report concludes: "The proposed re-development would provide a good regeneration opportunity that would bring modern business to the district, creating jobs and improving a prominent underused site within Eastleigh."

Councillor Keith Trenchard, who is ward councillor for Eastleigh Central, said: "To bring so many jobs to the centre of Eastleigh has got to be a good thing.

"It is great for employment, good for residents and good for the economy.

"At the moment that site is all boarded up ready for demolition but this is a prime site that needs to be developed in the correct manner and if it brings the income and employment into the area then brilliant."

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Cllr Chris Thomas added: "While I cannot comment on the planning application as it will come before the planning panel, anything that brings jobs to Eastleigh had got to be good news.

"Clearly we don't want to leave such a key site in the borough derelict for too long."

The redevelopment will need a public footpath rerouted, which will go before the planning committee on Tuesday.

However the plans for the site are set to go before the committee in November.