Ambitious proposals for a multi-million pound redevelopment of one of the most important areas of Diss will go on public view next week. South Norfolk Council has today unveiled its “masterplan concept”, after talks with the town council and landowners, that would see Park Road re-routed, the creation of retail shops and flats, 200 new homes designed to reflect existing architecture, car parking and a better bus station.

Ambitious proposals for a multi-million pound redevelopment of one of the most important areas of Diss will go on public view next week.

South Norfolk Council has today unveiled its “masterplan concept”, after talks with the town council and landowners, that would see Park Road re-routed, the creation of retail shops and flats, 200 new homes designed to reflect existing architecture, car parking and a better bus station.

There would be improved public access to the River Waveney, with riverside walks, cycle routes and ponds and plans for a viewing platform overlooking the 11.4 hectare (28.2acre) development and neighbouring park. The masterplan also offers the potential to relocate the Diss swim and fitness centre to the site, as part of improved leisure facilities, and for the Mere Street one-way system to be reversed - making it easier for visitors and shoppers to drive into the centre of town.

Council leader John Fuller told the Mercury: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to give Diss the amenities it deserves and to make the River Waveney more visible and useable to the town.

“At the moment Park Road cuts the town in two and if we can assemble and provide a comprehensive plan to redevelop this unsightly area, including moving the road, then Diss can truly become the gateway of Norfolk and the Waveney Valley. And it is not pie in the sky.

“We have been talking to landowners and have realised, just by working together, we can get overall development rather than the sum of the parts.”

The plans and 3D model showing potential redevelopment of the site go on show from 10am-4.30pm next Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Old Stables in Diss, followed by a public meeting at the adjoining Corn Hall at 7pm on Tuesday, October 28.

The authority is currently finalising its district-wide Local Development Framework for the next 20 years, and Ian McArthur, South Norfolk Council's head of special projects, believes their vision for the town would be “giving Diss the development it deserves” - providing opportunities to promote tourism and boost the local economy.

Town clerk, Deborah Sarson, said: “The development of this south side of Park Road is going to be crucial to the future economic vitality of Diss as a market town. It is therefore very important that we have the public's views of the proposals and the master plan to ensure that the development succeeds in its ambitions.”