IT’S a glimpse into the possible future of one of the most important buildings in Southampton.

This image reveals what the front of Southampton General Hospital could look like as soon as next year.

Bosses want to redevelop the front to make it more accessible for patients, including creating a new, more prominent reception area.

And members of the public were invited to the view the plans at a special event outside the existing front entrance.

Hospital staff were also keen to see the future of the building, although the plans received a mixed response.

Computer aided design manager Thomas Young, 27, of the New Forest, said: “The designs look okay, but I think something should be done about the blocks either side. There doesn’t seem to be much point putting this in between two dirty blocks; it will stick out like a sore thumb.

“I think they should also look to put a departure lounge in for patients to wait to be picked up after they are discharged.”

The event is part of consultation ahead of a planning application, which will be submitted in the coming months, although planners said proposals are still subject to change.

And construction could start as soon as 2015 if permission is granted and there is a final agreement with retailers.

It is part of a series of major works at the hospital over the next few years.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the hospital has plans to build a two-level car park on the south western side of the hospital, close to Laundry Road.