PROPOSALS for the redevelopment of Richmond's Grade II-listed station building have been unveiled.

Two approaches have been put forward, and either one could cost more than £2m.

York consultant Stephen Parry outlined the possibilities at a meeting in the station on behalf of the newly-formed Richmondshire Buildings Preservation Trust.

The Friends of the Richmond Station support group, who have campaigned for the building to be given a new lease of life, were told that either option would offer it a sound long-term future.

Mr Parry used the results of a number of local surveys, including one run by the Friends, to see if the wishes of the community could be incorporated in a manner that would be commercially viable for the revamped station.

Under the plans, visitors would enter a central section housing a caf, restaurant and display area, with the rooms off the platform used for community meeting spaces or craft workshops.

In addition, the draft shows two 100-seater cinemas at the Mercury Bridge end of the building.

At the Easby end of the building, two options are being explored, one including a crche with offices, the other a visitor attraction promoting local produce.

Central to the second plan is the addition of an L-shaped single-storey building joined to the station to create an outer courtyard, with a performance area and picnic space behind.

Trust spokesman Jim Jack said the study had shown that the station could be self-supporting once it re-opened.

He said: "The draft plans show that this can be achieved by producing a building which people will be proud of, and proud to show their friends."

Potential tenants are already under consideration for all the activities considered in the plans. Others have contacted the trust within the past month to express interest.

Mr Jack said: "The continued support of our district council will be vital in bringing the grant aid we'll require into our local economy to achieve these aims."

The study will go before a meeting of the authority's resources committee in a month.

A public exhibition begins in Swale House from Monday for a week.