Hundreds view £250m shops plan to transform Hanley (+PICTURES)
Organisers of the event promoting developer Realis Estates's vision for a new East West shopping centre in Hanley, said they were thrilled that over 450 people had turned out for the showcase.
And they were also pleased that many familiar faces from an initial event in June had returned to have a look at the detailed blueprint sent to Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
The developer has submitted an outline planning application, and showcased drawings and models from the plans during a consultation event in Charles Street over the weekend.
In Friday's Sentinel, Councillor Adrian Knapper, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, urged residents and business owners to take a look at the plans and make their views known.
Realis managing director, Duncan Mathieson, said: "We are delighted with the response. It has been fantastic and we have been overwhelmed.
"This exhibition was an additional one we did not have to put on, but because the response was so good in June we thought it would be nice for people to come back and see the latest plans."
The proposed scheme, which features a department store, 70 retail units, cinema and new bus station, is currently under public consultation, giving residents the opportunity to submit their views to planners.
And project manager Mark Worsfold said reaction had been positive from the majority of visitors. He added: "People want to see things happening now and it can't come quickly enough.
"The event was about us explaining to them the processes we now have to go through and the detailed controls to make it a reality.
"It is particularly refreshing that a number of people have come back and we have recognised them from June.
"It is that level of engagement that we need to see."
Alan Berks, from Abbey Hulton, was one of those who returned from the initial consultation.
The 67-year-old added: "I am very impressed with it and I am just glad that they are bringing us into line with other cities now because we have lagged behind for years."
Gwyneth Shaw, aged 60, from Hanley, said: "I think it is brilliant and I like the fact you can access it, especially because I don't drive, and you can get to it easily."
Developers hope the centre will be open for business in late 2013.
The landlord of the award-winning Coachmakers Arms, which would be demolished to make way for the proposed East West centre, has called for supporters to return petitions which were distributed across the city.
Jason Barlow, who runs the Victorian pub with partner Sue Grocott, added: "If anybody has got a completed, or part-completed, petition forms please could they get them back to us as soon as possible so that we can start putting our objection together.
"Also, if anybody can write directly to the council to object to the plans it would be much appreciated."
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