PLANS to transform Old Town's historic Town Hall and Corn Exchange are going on public display.

The revamp will resuscitate the buildings into a cafe bar and restaurant, along with the creation of a landscaped Italian-style public piazza area on the car park in Market Square, and about 163 apartments in three apartment blocks.

The proposed mixed-use urban regeneration scheme, which has been evolving over the past six months, was awarded to Countryside Properties PLC by Swindon Borough Council and private landowner, Gael Mackenzie.

Both the Town Hall and former Locarno buildings are owned by Old Town bar owner Mr Mackenzie while the council owns the adjacent car parks. Countryside Properties PLC will develop the area ol their behalf.

The proposed residential element of the development is for one and two bedroom apartments in three main blocks, up to seven storeys high.The scheme also includes potential plans to provide accommodation for a new registry office for Swindon, fronting onto the piazza area.

The public exhibition of the proposals, together with a model of the proposed development, will be on display in the Swindon Arts Centre in Devizes Road and in the reception of the council offices at Wat Tyler House, Euclid Street, until May 24.