PLANS to transform Osprey Quay into a world-class sailing venue fit for the Olympics are to be put before the public.

The scheme for the much anticipated 580-berth marina will form part of a two-day public exhibition in Weymouth and Portland.

And developers have confirmed the scheme will go before councillors and the Harbour Authority for approval by the end of March.

The former Royal Naval Air Station is to be the site for the sailing events in the 2012 Games.

The latest phase of the scheme outlines plans for the marina, upgraded sailing facilities and an Olympic media centre.

A further stage of the development, to be completed after the Olympics, will include new tourism and leisure facilities at Castle Court adjoining Portland Castle.

The exhibition titled 'Osprey Quay - What Next?' is to be held to give members of the public a chance to comment on the development.

Bruce Voss, head of operations for the South West Regional Development Agency, said: "These are exciting times for Weymouth and Portland.

"We hope that people will spend time reviewing the information so that they are fully informed and can give us their views on the plans.

"The exhibition is an important milestone in the consultation process for further development of Osprey Quay, which will regenerate the area with a lasting legacy of facilities."

The exhibition will update people on the master plan for Osprey Quay, which was first drawn after the air station closed in 1999.

The first phase started in 2002 with the building of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy together with business units and infrastructure improvements.

The original idea was to focus on economic redevelopment but the plans took on extra impetus with the site chosen to host the Olympic sailing regatta. A final phase will not be completed until after the Olympics.

At the exhibition will be representatives from the Olympic Delivery Authority, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), the South West of England Regional Development Agency, Dean and Reddyhoff, who are building the marina, and the Sailing Academy.

A spokesman for the ODA said: "This exhibition is a great chance for us to outline the planned development of Osprey Quay which will regenerate the local area. We look forward to consulting with local people and hearing their views on these exciting proposals."

* The exhibition will take place on February 9 from 2pm-8pm at the Portland Heights Hotel and at the Weymouth Arts Centre on February 10 from 10am to 4pm.