NEW proposals that seek to transform Alton’s former magistrates’ court and now empty police station with retirement housing and a tea room are set to be launched at a public exhibition next week.

The redevelopment bid is being brought forward by specialist retirement housing developer and operator Renaissance Retirement, which has secured an interest in the site following a competitive tender process. The company’s draft proposals will be showcased to the public from 4pm-7.30pm at the Alton House Hotel on Normandy Street next Thursday, June 15.

The early plans would see both the magistrates’ court and police station demolished and replaced with a scheme of 54 one and two-bedroom sheltered apartments with dedicated on-site parking for residents and visitors. The existing pedestrian route that runs through the site would be maintained as part of the proposals, while a new tea room would be located on the development’s ground floor fronting Normandy Street.

Peter Tanner, Renaissance Retirement’s planning director, said: “Owing to its position close to the High Street, this is a great site for the kind of homes for older people that we build and which are critically needed across the country. We appreciate this site is a particularly prominent one in the town, which is why we’re keen to talk to residents and local representatives about our draft plans at this early stage.”

He added: “Not only would it provide older people with a chance to remain living locally and free up under-occupied family housing, it would also make a contribution to the town’s economy with our residents shopping on the High Street.

“We look forward to discussing our plans at next week’s event and to hearing what the community has to say.”

The Ringwood-based firm has recently lodged a pre-application enquiry with East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) as part of its early planning work.

Renaissance expects to hold a series of meetings with EHDC officers over the coming months with a planning application expected to be lodged by September.

On this basis, a decision on whether or not the plans get the go-ahead could be reached before the end of the year.