The council has seen progress in plans for a major redevelopment of the former Toys 'R' Us store in Southampton.

Speaking at a council meeting earlier this week, Cllr Lorna Fielker told councillors there had been traction on the stalled scheme.

The Toys R Us site had planning consent in 2022 for a huge mixed-use project featuring more than 600 flats, restaurants and shops.

However, the vacant retail building is still standing on the site with no signs of progress.

Councillors were told at meetings earlier this year that a third-party joint venture was seeking to acquire the lease for the 4.8-acre plot between Harbour Parade and Western Esplanade.

The council's Labour cabinet also provided updates on new projects focusing on improving roads, parks, and green areas in the city, which will be unveiled in the upcoming months.

READ MORE: Toys R Us developer has 'done absolutely nothing' with site

Among the announcements, two children’s homes are set to open “immediately”, but are currently awaiting Ofsted registration.

The initiatives are part of the transformation programme approved in July 2024 to address the council’s challenges.

The programme aims to deliver nine key goals, including setting a balanced budget for 2025/26, creating an investment portfolio, and making the city a “vibrant place.”

Cllr Lorna Fielker said the plan is a “statement of intent”. She added that the collective “missions” are what residents asked for.

She said: “The launch of the new city plan, which set up a small number of collective ‘missions’ backed up by public, private, and community leaders in Southampton, has been signed up.

“These missions have been shaped by over 4000 residents who told us what the council wanted to focus on. They want Southampton to be a more equal city, focusing on the root causes of inequality. They also told us to be healthier, safer and greener.”

The plan, which is due to be decided by the council in July, will include an agreement between the council and Southampton Football Club to explore the future of the land around the stadium.

Her cabinet member for finance and corporate services, Cllr Simon Letts, also announced additional investment in roads, pavements, parks, green spaces, and playgrounds, which are “the absolute priorities of the administration.”