SOUTHAMPTON is soon to have the region’s biggest pet-friendly apartment complex as the next phases of the development near completion.

Bow Square, the collection of apartments for renters in Queensway, is to be entirely pet-friendly, with every apartment able to house cats or dogs, with a resident dog walking club being set up.

Adam Dale, community director at Bow Square, said: “Traditionally, finding a place to rent has been a nightmare for pet owners.

“So many landlords don’t accept cats or dogs and it can be a real struggle for people to find a place that accepts their four-legged friend.

“Even if one apartment in a building accepts pets, the one next door might not because it’s owned by someone else.

“We love our animals here and are proud to be, as we understand, the first apartment building in Southampton that’s entirely pet friendly.”

Owned by Atlas Residential, the Queensway building will have 170 extra apartments open later in the year.

Dudley Grey, who lives at Bow Square with his partner and their two dogs Zeus and Scout, said: “It’s so good to be able to have our dogs here with us. There’s quite a community of people here with pets so it’s nice getting to know one another.

“There are so many parks nearby which is great for Zeus and Scout.”

The first phase of the development opened its doors to renters in October last year, with the last phases expected to be open from this summer, totalling 279 properties.