TIME is running out for people who want to have their say on plans to redevelop the former Ford factory site in Southampton.

The new owners have unveiled proposals to create up to 1,000 jobs by building a mixture of units that would be occupied by logistics, manufacturing and other types of business.

Mountpark, a property development company, is carrying out a public consultation exercise that is due to end on today.

Its initial proposal include 33,700 sq metres of office and manufacturing space, extensive landscaping and a new pedestrian/cycle link from Wide Lane to Stoneham Cemetery Road.

The Ford factory controversially closed in 2013 as the automotive giant moved production to Turkey with the loss of 350 local jobs.

A Mountpark spokesman said: “Our intention is to re-establish this site for employment in Southampton and to attract occupiers and employers which will re-introduce a range of jobs to the area.”

The proposals put forward relate to an area known as Site A – the southern end of the former Ford land. The spokesman said: “We are preparing a detailed planning application for Site A. An application for the western part of the site – Site B – will follow in due course.”

New buildings on Site A will be only half the height of the 30m structures that used to occupy the land.

“The position of these buildings will help screen residential areas from noise generated within the site and from the M27 motorway to the north,” added the spokesman.

People will have another chance to comment on the plans once the application has been sent to Southampton City Council.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Mountpark is planning to submit its proposals in the next few months and hopes the first of the new units will be up and running early next year.

Director Philip O’Callaghan said: “They’re going to be very high quality units that will appeal to everyone in the market.”

Mountpark, which is reported to have paid £20 million for the site, has already developed three major sites at Manchester Airport, Wakefield in West Yorkshire and Bardon in Leicestershire.

Anyone wishing to comment on its Southampton proposals can write to Mountpark Properties, c/o Unit 7 Wheatcroft Business Park, Landmere Lane, Edwalton, Nottingham, NG12 4DG.

Alternatively they can e-mail info@mountparksouthampton.co.uk or go online and visit mountparksouthampton.co.uk