A WINCHESTER landowner estimates 600 people visited an exhibition showing its proposal for a major regeneration scheme.

London & Henley wants to build shops and homes on its site in Middle Brook Street, currently occupied by the former post office, Iceland and a multi-storey car park.

The company hosted a three-day exhibition, showing displays and models, in the Brooks Centre.

London & Henley says its Middle Brook scheme could kick-start the regeneration of the Broadway/ Friarsgate area. A planning application was submitted on April 13.

Currently the city council is working with another developer, Thornfield Properties, to regenerate the area. Its planning application is expected imminently.

Nigel Wright, managing director of London & Henley, said he was very encouraged by the public response.

Mr Wright said: "It was striking that a consistent view expressed by visitors was the desire to see work commence on the scheme. People were telling us that they were beginning to wonder if the regeneration of the city centre was ever going to happen after so many years of discussions.

"We will consider all of the feedback we received and continue to discuss Middle Brook during the period of consultation on our planning application, which is now before the council."