Is this the face of the future for Leamington’s Ford foundry site?

Detailed designs of buildings and landscaping on the site of the former Ford Foundry in Princes Drive will be exhibited at Leamington town hall today (Friday) and tomorrow.

Architects, traffic experts and representatives of developer Trilogy Developments will be on hand to discuss the proposals and answer questions.

The developer hopes to submit a planning application for the 18-acre site in October, and begin demolition and clean-up in spring 2011.

Archie Pitts of the Leamington Society said he was “surprised” Trilogy felt it could begin so soon, and warned it might be difficult to obtain planning permission for a supermarket if the site was still earmarked for jobs, not retail.

He added a supermarket might provide the money to pay for cleaning up much of the site, occupied by a foundry for more than 100 years.

Mr Pitts praised the design of the office building and the aim of making the derelict site attractive.

Warwick district councillor John Barrott (Lab, Leamington Willes) a former Ford worker, believes jobs are the first priority.

He said: “I’m not against Morrison’s at all. It has to create jobs. Whatever goes on there has to create jobs and a range of skills.”

According to Trilogy Developments managing director Patrick Stones, 1,200 jobs will be created and there has already been interest in the new offices.

He said: “I believe that this first phase of the redevelopment of the station area will change the face of this gateway location and encourage further investment in this part of Leamington.”

The exhibition will run today (Friday) from 3pm to 7pm and tomorrow (Saturday) from 10.30am to 3.30pm.