PLANS for a farmers market in a busy Southampton neighbourhood have been unveiled.

City leaders have confirmed they are looking into plans for a monthly farmers market in the  Bedford Place and Carlton Place area.

Details of the scheme are yet to be revealed.

But a city business leader said that with a bit of investment the area could become “one of the go-to destinations on the south coast”.

The news comes as Bedford Place has been reopened to traffic after a controversial road closure.

But civic chiefs pledged to continue to invest in the area in the future.

In official documents council bosses said “a few other initiatives are still planned for the Bedford Place area including a monthly farmers market”.

Southampton City Council said G0! Southampton, the Business Improvement District,  expressed an interest in introducing a farmers market to the Bedford Place area.

Giles Semper, executive director of GO! Southampton, said: “We would love to see a regular farmers’ market or similar in the area, and for there to be small-scale events. The carpark in Upper Bannister St is underutilised and would make a fantastic events space.”

He added:  “Whatever the ultimate fate of the Bedford Place closure, we still believe there is a great opportunity to raise the quality of the environment in and around Carlton Place. With a bit of investment it could become one of the go-to destinations on the south coast. ”

Mr Semper said the BID will soon be commissioning a night-time economy strategy.

“After the worst period in its history, we want to see this sector return to its ‘glory days’ and to attract people from miles around,” he added.

Cllr Jeremy Moulton, deputy council leader and cabinet member for growth, said: “We are committed to working with businesses to  improve the public realm in Bedford Place and to enhancing its reputation as a thriving, unique ‘go-to’ destination at the heart of our city. We would be happy to support local businesses with future ideas such as a farmers market and will continue working closely with Go! Southampton as ideas for the area evolve.”

Bargate councillor John Noon described the plan as “a brilliant idea” and said “it would be supported by most residents and businesses”.