FOUR potential redevelopers of the former Richmond railway station outlined their ambitious plans for the listed building at a packed public meeting on Wednesday.

Richmondshire councillors are expected to decide next month whether it should become a mall involving a collection of leisure-based businesses, an arts centre incorporating a theatre and three-screen cinema, a tea blending attraction based on the Lewis Carroll heritage or a new home for the Gemini Health and Fitness Club.

It emerged during the two-hour meeting in the town hall that two of the bids envisaged demolition of the neighbouring Arriva bus depot, described as an eyesore. In the long term it would make way for a housing development in one plan and for car parking in the other.

A new use fitting a leisure concept is being sought for the 19th century former terminus of the branch line from Darlington by the district council after Richmond Farm and Garden Centre, which was based there, closed amid controversy almost a year ago. The property is being offered for sale for £250,000.

Plans for a mall involving at least 12 units had already been announced by Randall Orchard Construction and collaborator Robin Steel, who were accused on Wednesday of "jumping the gun" by seeking advance publicity before other bidders had revealed their intentions.

The plans would include an internet cafe, a serviced launderette, an alternative health centre, various shops, a railway museum and horse-drawn carriage rides, but it was claimed at the meeting that it could lead to more empty properties in Richmond if businesses moved there.

Questioned by a member of the audience about the nature of the development, Randall Orchard replied: "It's not strictly leisure but fairly close to it."

Architect Nigel Smith and his wife, Sharon, who has been involved in theatre and museum work for 20 years, outlined plans for an arts centre incorporating a cinema, a restaurant and a theatre which, they said, would not compete with the Georgian Theatre Royal because it would attract larger touring companies.

Michael Harrison, of Catterick-based Northern Select Foods, who is proposing Mad Hatter Diversions, said it was important that Richmond did not "die a death" and there had to be jobs to stem migration by local young people.

A miniature tea blending unit would form the centrepiece of a development, expected to attract 100,000 visitors a year, incorporating a 250-seat restaurant and space for concerts and crafts demonstrations.

Gemini Health and Fitness Club, which at present rents the former railway engine shed from a private landlord, is short of space and wants to take over two-thirds of the station building, where co-owner Josephine Cox said a family pub and restaurant would also be opened to meet what was regarded as a local need.

Gemini is supporting redevelopment proposals put forward by Landteam, a firm of architects based in London and Darlington Landteam spokes- man Simon Crowe said initial talks had taken place with Arriva about demolition of the bus depot to make way for housing. The company had said it would be willing to move if it could find a new site.

The 250-member Richmond Station Group, which prefers a lease rather than sale, was set up earlier this year by local residents to protect the original nature of the building and its surroundings. It supports re- development but only if it is appropriate to the area and the building.

Group spokesman Keith Byfield said after the public meeting: "It was a pleasure to see proposals put forward professionally and the people of Richmond being able to ask questions. I cannot remember a time when that has happened before.

"We would have reservations about the pub element of the Gemini bid and we need some time to think about the other three proposals. The district council must retain control of that building."

The four bids will be considered by the district council resources committee on November 6.

* Details of the bids: page 3.