The chairman of a residents’ group is calling on neighbours to come along to a fete this weekend where plans for a £40 million redevelopment will be on display.

Stevenage Borough Council revealed plans for an independent living scheme at Kenilworth Close two months ago, and will be presenting its vision as part of the Longmeadow and Bragbury End Residents’ Group summer fete on Saturday.

The presentation, which will include an animated sequence shown on a large screen, will showcase how the council hopes to replace existing bedsits for older people with flats which have separate living spaces.

The council will also be talking about its plans to build a new community centre to replace the current one – which is set to close – as well as a café and roof garden for residents.

Last month numerous concerns were raised about the redevelopement at a residents’ meeting, including the perceived lack of communication about the plans, the potential increase in traffic and parking problems.

The general feeling among those who attended was they were not against regeneration, but the size of the proposed scheme is of concern.

An application has been submitted, but is yet to be discussed at a planning meeting.

The residents’ group chairman James Smith said: “The committee wanted to create an awesome event that will be huge fun but also very informative for local people. Ultimately being a residents’ group chairman in Stevenage is about problem solving, and I hope we have managed to solve a problem in our area of a perceived lack of notice for motions such as redevelopment in a positive, creative and fun way.

“This is what the community is all about – people coming together to both enjoy themselves and to learn and comment upon plans to improve their neighbourhood. Any criticism is surely not a bad thing – it shows people care.”

Besides the Kenilworth Close presentation, the fete will include live music, bungee races, FIFA 18 ‘top bins’, console battles, children’s archery and a cutest pet competition.

There will also be numerous charity and community stalls, a barbecue, fish & chips and a screening of Zootropolis from 4.15pm – after the council’s presentation.

Anyone can attend the fete, which runs from 2pm and 6pm in Kenilworth Close.