Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) has invited residents to submit their views on plans for the regeneration of the town centre as part of a public consultation due to close on 18 March.

The council's Town Centre Area Action Plan outlines a framework for the future mixed-use redevelopment of the Hertfordshire town - one of the first to be designated under the government's New Towns Act in 1946. Leisure uses are earmarked as part of the proposals to complement the town's existing provision, with plans to provide greater opportunities for evening activities such as bars, restaurants and pubs in the central area.

Stevenage's leisure park could boast a new hotel and office scheme as part of the regeneration proposals, along with a focus on food and drink in an area surrounding the station and new public square. SBC strategic director Peter Bandy said: "Plans are being submitted for the redevelopment of part of the Town Centre, but the Area Action Plan that we are now consulting on looks at the wider town centre area and how it can be best developed for the benefit of all town centre users."