MULTI-million-pound plans have been unveiled to develop an outdated centre in a Hampshire village.

Fareham Borough Council has unveiled a draft vision to transform Portchester Precinct in a scheme estimated to be worth millions of pounds.

The chairman of the Portchester Traders Association told the Daily Echo that the deal is worth £20million, but the borough council has disputed this figure.

It follows months of consultation and deliberation about the area which has been described as ‘ancient’ and ‘grim’ by local residents.

Cllr Sean Woodward, the leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: “The scheme will enhance the daytime offering in Porchester and regenerate the village into a modern and vibrant village.”

Cllr Keith Evans, portfolio holder for development on the council, added: “The draft vision marks the beginning of the process to improve the centre and precinct while acknowledging changing shopping trends and the need to adapt to the changing local residents and visitors’ needs. We want to ensure it remains an attractive and vibrant area for the future.”

Under the plans, the council is looking to work with Hampshire County Council, which owns the precinct, and several private landlords to increase the number of parking spaces to just under 300 from 259, building new affordable flats in West Street for first-time buyers and creating new retail space to turn the village centre into a ‘coffee hot-spot’.

A gateway entrance has also been put forward and recommended in addition to repaving the precinct surfaces, adding more signage and improving the layout of pedestrian lighting.

The council has received more than 465 responses from around 500 residents about the scheme, which the council says will regenerate the centre of Portchester.

Ian Butcher, chairman of the Portchester Traders Association, insisted the council should ‘reign in the horses’ to make the plans more realistic.

He said: “The idea of reducing long-term parking spaces will have an impact on the precinct as those who commute use the spaces. Without them, they will have to go and park elsewhere, while the plans for the flats aren’t realistic or feasible.

“We have a good balance of high street and independent traders already present so I believe no new outlets are needed.

“However, I agree the village is in need of a general facelift and clean-up to improve its appearance.”

A decision will be made by the Fareham Executive on the final plans later this summer.