Ferry port's £15m plan approved

The new terminal will incorporate environmentally friendly features

A £15m scheme to build a new passenger terminal at a Hampshire ferry port has been given the go-ahead by councillors.

The development at Portsmouth Continental Ferry Port is expected to be completed by the end of 2010 and in use early the following year.

The new building will feature shops, an upstairs bar and a currency exchange.

The plan was approved by the city council, which owns the port, and architects will work on the plan before contracts go out to tender in 2009.

Port bosses are hoping to make the building environmentally-friendly, with one idea being to harness the southwesterly wind as natural ventilation.

Phil Gadd, port manager, said: "This will be a much-needed, landmark building at the port and we are keen to ensure it incorporates the latest environmental technology to future proof it for ferry passengers and our customers alike."