MORE than 20 architects are set to battle for the right to transform the area around a Hampshire railway station.

Practices from across the country have expressed interest in Winchester's multi-million pound Station Approach scheme, providing offices, parking, flats, shops and public space.

Cllr Stephen Godfrey, the leader of Winchester City Council, said: "We are delighted by this substantial level of interest in helping us bring much-needed improvements to Station Approach.

"The scale and quality of submissions gives us confidence that we will be able to choose a design team who can deliver a scheme of which the city can be proud."

Civic chiefs have faced criticism from the respected City of Winchester Trust for launching the design competition without a 'masterplan' for the area.

Twenty-two firms "large and small" have formally expressed interest in the contest, the council has said, with some based locally.

Those on a shortlist to be compiled in the next fortnight will be invited to submit outline plans. Entries will be narrowed down by a panel including Tina Frost, an independent adviser from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

Residents will get their first look at designs at a public exhibition after bidders submit their 'best and final offers'.