THE Winchester public will have its first chance to quiz developers over how they plan to revamp a huge swathe of the city centre.

Last year the city council signed an agreement with Thornfield Properties for the £100m Broadway Friarsgate redevelopment.

Some 300-plus homes, 40 shops, car park, medical centre and bus station will replace the warehouses, shops and offices and dilapidated bus station.

Thornfield director Mike Capocci has consulted with groups such as the chamber of commerce, residents' association and City of Winchester Trust.

Mr Capocci says he is willing to incorporate feedback into the scheme before the planning application later this year.

The town forum at the Guildhall at 7pm today will be devoted to a presentation by developer Thornfield Properties and its architects Allies and Morrison.

Building work could start in 2007 with completion in 2011.

Meanwhile, the ruling Liberal Democrat group is coming under fire for alleged excessive secrecy over the deal.

Tory councillor George Beckett questioned why the council had not held a competitive tendering process before an exclusivity agreement was signed with the developer in March 2003.

Council leader Sheila Campbell said in 2001 only Thornfield had expressed serious interest.