FURTHER details on the new scheme to finally regenerate Hatfield town centre have emerged – ahead of a public exhibition being held next week.

Welwyn Hatfield Council has now received a planning application from developers St Modwen outlining its revised vision for the troubled project.

The new plans centre around the construction of five new buildings, with retail and residential units, a new town square and an all-new High Street, offering a thoroughfare between Asda and another new “anchor” store.

The �45m scheme, if approved, will provide 25 new retail units, adding up to 80,000 sq ft of shopping space.

Above the new shops, a further 97 residential units consisting of one, two and three bedrooms will be built, with access just off the town square.

Other features include a new bus interchange, public toilets and a taxi rank.

St Modwen’s regional director Rupert Wood said: “We reviewed feedback from the previous consultation and talked to local businesses, councillors and stakeholders about what they wanted from the town.

“In the design, we’ve taken on board a lot of these comments, including the need for enhanced safety, for a modern retail offer, for life to be brought back to the town and for improved public transport access. We think this scheme, when delivered, will provide the improvements that the town deserves.”

Residents and interested parties will be able to see the plans during a three-day public exhibition at the old Pizza Hut in the town centre. It runs from Thursday, February 11 until Saturday, between 10am and 5pm.