A NEW language school, specialising in teaching English as a foreign language, could open in Southampton city centre.

Eurospeak Language School, which was established in 1991, is hoping to expand its portfolio and begin teaching students from the premises of an office space, near Bedford Place.

The plans submitted to Southampton City Council would see 10 Cumberland Place, a former commercial property agents, become the base of the school.

It was created by Sarisbury Green-based architectural technologists Knight Architectural Design.

Ian Knight, the agent of the proposal, said Eurospeak Language Schools were keen to add a south coast option to its current roster of institutions.

He said: “There would be numerous classes held at the school, which would benefit those using a multitude of languages and would focus on international students by using a range of class room techniques and e-learning.

“The location of the site makes it ideal due to the public transport surrounding it, meaning that there would be no car parking requirements for the building.

“There would be little impact on the Grade II listed building and one of the reason for choosing it is because it has some historic and elegant features which makes it a very attractive proposition to overseas students as a learning venue.”

Mr Knight added that if the application is successful, Eurospeak Language Schools hope to get the school up and running as soon as possible.

At present, there are a number of language schools near the site, including TEG English Southampton, which operates on the same road, Lewis School of English, on Palmerston Road and Bfluent, on St Mary Street.

According to Eurospeak, each year it welcomes more than 1,349 students from over 71 nationalities to study with it at locations across the world.

The application is currently under review by the city council.