SOME 1,200 visitors attended an exhibition, held by developer the Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, revealing the latest plans for the new town centre that will be built, along with homes, at Prince Philip Barracks, in Bordon.

At the event, on October 7, members of the public experienced what it would be like to walk through the new town centre - thanks to an innovative large-scale model.

With a sign saying “High Street”, the route took visitors past replicas of shops, restaurants and businesses, with flats and offices above and a landscaped space in the middle.

Also to make it a day to remember for the town, the company - which is an amalgamation of Taylor Wimpey and Dorchester Regeneration - laid on a classic-car show next to the Parade Ground.

Later, there was a Disney-themed party at Bordon’s roller rink at the barracks, where there was also an open-air evening screening of Grease.

The developer’s exhibition - at Building Five at Prince Philip Park (the new name for the barracks) - followed an earlier one in the spring, when the draft plans were unveiled.

But now a planning application is in the pipeline, the firm can reveal specific proposals.

The new centre will include 27 shops and restaurants, with possibly one or two having tables outside for Continental-style eating; a food store; a new arts centre and theatre, and a six-screen cinema, which many the town’s younger people have been asking for.

A new town square is planned and there will be new flats; small business and office space; a covered market, and a mixed-use space for a community and heritage centre. Public places will be landscaped, and there will be underground parking and public-transport links.

Following the previous community consultation in February, the Regeneration Company said it had worked hard to respond to the feedback given by residents in response to the town-centre proposals.

The next consultation will take place in the spring, but before that it is expected the Company will be able to announce the names of some retailers and businesses which will be moving into the new town centre, which is expected to be completed by 2019.

Town, district and county councillor Adam Carew said: “We have waited so long for better facilities in Whitehill and Bordon - our residents deserve the very best.”