A new masterplan showing the layout of the Watford health campus has been released, but the extent of the new hospital facilities it promises are still unclear.

A computer-generated image of the development has been unveiled today as part of a new consultation over the development, which aims to regenerate land behind Vicarage Road.

However the number of homes slated for the scheme appears to have risen from 600, which politicians originally mooted, to 700.

The proposed layout for Watford health campus shows a new access road and bridge, community garden, and central square - but crucially omits details of the new hospital.

The plans do not indicate what purpose the new buildings in the project will have nor whether current hospital build will be replaced.

Residents can view the plans for the 29 hectare site, stretching from Watford Hospital, down to the River Colne and Wiggenhall Road, and comment on them this month.

Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill said: "The Watford health campus partners are delighted that, after months of work by the team, plans are finally ready to share with the community.

"Over this time, many local people have asked me what they could expect from the Watford health campus and it’s great news that we now have something people can look at that brings the scheme to life.

"We have been very demanding about what we want to see happen on the site: good quality homes, new business premises to encourage job opportunities, great open spaces with places for people to walk and exercise and the right mix of facilities such as shops, restaurant and cafés.

"Getting it right is vital for Watford; the scheme will take up to 20 years to deliver but a good masterplan is a great start".

Samantha Jones, chief executive of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We’re delighted to be involved in such an exciting project which will undoubtedly deliver many advantages for the people of West Watford and beyond.

"Watford Hospital is at the centre of the Watford health campus and, in time, the plans will offer numerous benefits to our patients, their friends and families and our staff.

"I’d encourage local people to get involved and to help shape the masterplan".

The plans can be seen in the corporate lounge of Watford Football Club on Friday, January 17 from 1pm to 7pm and Saturday, January 18 from noon to 3pm.

They will also be displayed in Watford Town Hall, committee room two, on Thursday, January 30 from 10am to 1.30pm.

The plans can also be seen online via www.whc-consultation.co.uk.

Phil Woods, associate director Kier Project Investment, said: "We look forward to hearing the views of Watford residents at this important consultation phase with a view to submitting our planning application shortly thereafter".

You can view a larger version of the masterplan image here: Plan PDF.pdf