BLUEPRINTS to transform Trowbridge into a 21st century town have been unveiled to the public for the first time.

Consultants working on the Vision for Trowbridge scheme made public the draft of their urban framework design during the three-day West Wilts Show.

The draft proposals, drawn up over the past six months, were met with a mix of scepticism and praise as hundreds of people flocked to the Civic Hall to catch a glimpse of how the town could be revolutionised.

Splitting the town into five zones the consultant team, led by urban designers Gillespies, pinpointed the River Biss as a catalyst to revamp the town centre.

A potential new location for the Civic Hall in the south east of the town is included in plans alongside a new library and resource centre, media and entertainment centre and visitor centre, all in the south of the market town.

On the architectural side a series of water features and market squares have been pencilled in to give the town centre a European flavour, with the image of a 21st century town at the heart of the consultants' vision.

The four elements of earth, water, wind and fire are incorporated into the first draft with an eco-centre, botanical garden and water centre among the ideas put forward.

Consultant Jeff Bishop said up to 600 people poured through the doors during the show with a wealth of suggestions and comments submitted.

He said: "This needs to be a 21st century town. It is the younger generation's town this is coming from the adults as well.

"A lot of the comments have been centred around bringing Trowbridge up-to-date.

"The comments that came in showed mixed feelings. People are very passionate about the town but there was a lot of good reaction to the plans, especially to the idea of a market square.

"There was positive feeling about the cinema and arts centre, the library and things they generally want to see here."

Mr Bishop added: "Almost without exception people have said what the town needs is a proper overall plan they didn't think we could do it bit by bit.

"A proper plan is the only thing that will get people confident and the developers confident.

"The biggest dilemma in how to deliver it is convincing people that what has been done elsewhere like this can work here, because of their previous experiences."

On the controversial subject of moving the Civic Hall Mr Bishop said there was an even split in opinion.

Linda Law, of Silver Street Lane, said she was adamant the Civic Hall should remain at its present location.

She said: "It is a lovely hall. I feel very strongly about it staying where it is. What I really want to see is a cinema as my kids are 32 and 29 and they still haven't got one in the town.

"I feel sceptical about the whole plan but I will make sure I have my say."

Peter Wakeford, 75, of Hilperton, said he wanted a concert hall to be drafted into the Vision project.

"Some of the plans on show I like but I want to see a concert hall in the old mills near Tesco," he said.

"I think the market square will be good for Trowbridge. It is time the council realised Trowbridge is the county town. There needs to be a comprehensive plan."

All the ideas and suggestions will be taken on board by the team of 20 consultants to use in finalising their final drafts.

A stakeholder meeting, involving invited groups and organisations from across Trowbridge, is scheduled for August 14 at the Civic Hall, where the next stage of the Vision will be discussed.

The consultants have to formalise a final plan in September.

Hundreds of questionnaires were handed out with other members of the public opting to leave ideas on suggestion boards positioned in the hall.