Plans for a multi-million-pound retail centre in the heart of Warminster were unveiled to the public this week.

Developers Stockland, owner of the Three Horseshoes Shopping Mall, has revealed its regeneration scheme for the town centre, which will see a new ‘quality’ food store, library, museum and tourist information centre.

The Three Horseshoes came in for particular criticism in the 2008 Warminster Vision and Scoping Study for the Warminster Town Plan, which classed it as ‘vile and cheap’.

Commenting on the plans, Simon Hoad, development director at Stockland, said: “We believe we have a scheme which can bring real benefits to Warminster and help to resolve some of the issues related to poor environment and land use identified within the Warminster Vision.

“Our scheme addresses many of the issues raised during the consultation on the plan, providing not simply a new food store – which was a clear sentiment identified by residents.

“By reconfiguring and redeveloping the existing car parking we can create new pedestrian routes and better access to and from the centre of the town, creating a real retail loop.

“Additionally, the redevelopment of the library and tourist information centre brings a new opportunity to create a more open and accessible area which links more easily to the High Street.

Stockland have not confirmed who they have approached to take on the food store, but said they have said they are looking to bring a new retailer into the town.

The plans also include altering the layout of the car park, although the firm has said that no parking spaces will be lost in the transformation.

Mr Hoad said: “This will be a catalyst for further investment and regeneration in the town centre.

“In challenging times for the economy it is essential that the heart of small town centres is reinforced.

“Warminster is no exception – the Market Place should be the focus and I believe that a new food store provided as an extension to the Three Horseshoes will fulfil that aim.”

Stockland held an exhibition of its plans at the town library last Friday.

A comments board and information poster will be up all week.

Plans for the retail centre are expected to be submitted to Wiltshire Council’s planning authority in the next month.