THESE are the visions for a major Winchester scheme that aims to breathe new life into a city area.

Two firms of architects showed proposals for the Station Approach at the Guildhall for the first time.

The huge multi-million pound redevelopment scheme would see massive changes in the area between Newburgh Street, Stockbridge Road, Andover Road to the Cattle Market car park.

One of the two schemes, by Winchester-based Design Engine and London-based Hopkins Architects, will go forward to the city council new Cabinet on May 19.

The option will be selected by an expert jury and officer panel taking into account public views at the start of the project.

Residents have been viewing the plans at Winchester Guildhall throughout this week.

The Chronicle spoke to people looking at the two schemes for the first time on Monday, and both plans had mixed reaction from residents.

Some people compared it to the early stages of Silver Hill, while others felt the plans could be beneficial to the area.

Scheme B, as it is called, centres on 'exploiting merits' of local heritage and aims to provide sustainable new development, and will have mixed use including commercial, residential, parking, public realm and shops.

It will have a four storey office building that will have a total of 80,000 square foot of space.

The Carfax site will have 92 flats, retail units, a new Station Square, a new Northgate Yard and a flexible office accommodation aimed for 'national or regional' headquarters.

Meanwhile the Cattle Market site will have office space which could be used for expanding local firms, 118 flats, retail units, a retained view from Andover Road to Winchester Cathedral and underground parking.

Plan C, as it is called, will have homes to the south and west corner of the Carfax site which they say 'responds' to the residential character of Gladstone Street.

The development would be predominantly two-bed Duplex housing and two-bed flats, with a series of interlocking courts.

City council head of estates Kevin Warren compared the schemes, he said: "The architecture on one is modern and one is more traditional. We are very pleased with the work that has been done both parties, it is a really good process and it encourages the architects to consider aspects of the proposal.

"Both have surprised us with the amount of work they have put in, in both cases they have probably put £100,000 each towards their plans already. I just hope the public can come forward to have a look at the schemes."

City councillor Ian Tait was at the first viewing of the plans. He said: "I like the appearance of the design B, but the site needs to work to serve the city. We have to get the balance right of it looking attractive and delivering the amount of space we require."

Ward councillor Martin Tod disagreed. "It's Silver Hill all over again. The Conservatives seem determined to repeat the mistakes they made before with buildings that are too big for the site and, as a direct result, are totally wrong for Winchester.

"If they don't rethink their approach, their proposed overdevelopment will force Winchester residents to suffer more traffic congestion, worse air quality and a development that is totally wrong for Winchester."

Both scheme envisage an expansion of parking. Scheme C has 693 spaces, and B has 873, split between the Carfax and Cattle Market sites.

Cabinet will decide whether to proceed with the competition winner. If Cabinet appoints an architect, consultation on the design will follow to help develop the scheme.

Cabinet has been clear that the project to deliver new offices, public spaces, parking, homes and shops near the railway station is a high priority.