Councillors are expected to grant outline planning permission for the proposals which would transform the heart of the city, providing cafe-lined walkways and a leisure centre.

The expected decision comes after widespread public opposition to the initial plans put forward by developer Crest Nicholson.

City leaders said the scaled-down version of the plans struck a better balance between modern redevelopment and protecting historical sites in the city centre.

Parisian boulevards

Planners have called the scheme "one of the best but most difficult regeneration sites in the country".

The plans involve the construction or refurbishment of a dozen buildings on a 20-acre site in the city's docklands.

A new leisure centre, which may include a cinema, along with office and residential blocks linked by Parisian-style boulevards with cafes and restaurants are included in the proposals.

John Savage, chairman of Bristol Harbourside Sponsors Group, said: "It's an essential part of one of the best cities in Europe.

"It needs to be developed. I accept the original plans were not good enough but now we have something we can work with."