“We really want to regenerate this important industrial site and deliver some homes and good quality public realm and open space.

“We want to really connect the town centre with this area of north Kingston, and Berkley have a history of doing this sort of thing really well.”

Feedback on the exhibition was mixed, with several people saying the two corner buildings were too tall given the recent Kingston Riverside development in Canbury Gardens towering overhead.

Carrie Segrave, who lives close to the site, said: “I think development is a good idea, but every scheme these days wants its statement building, which I feel will be overbearing.

“We’ve had quite enough statement buildings with Kingston Riverside.

“I like the Berkeley Group, I think they are good people with a good reputation, but I don’t like their tall buildings.”

Councillor Frank Thompson at the exhibition with his wife Dorothy

Tudor ward Councillor Frank Thompson said: “As a block of flats it’s just as nice looking as any other I suppose, but will any English families with moderate income be able to buy there?

“They have got to cram in as many as possible these days and I’m sure Berkeley will make the block look as attractive as feasible, but it doesn’t leave a lot of scope for innovative design.

“What with the Royal Quarter, Kingston Riverside and plans to build two huge buildings behind John Lewis [the rejected Thames Side Wharf] if this gets done it will be the most densely populated area in Kingston.”

The exhibition re-opens tomorrow, Saturday, January 11, in the Judge Lecture Theatre at Tiffin School from 10am to 2pm.

What do you think of the plans? Leave your comments below or email letters@surreycomet.co.uk