SPACE-AGE pods bolted on to Worcester's rail viaduct and Italian piazzas are planned for the regeneration of the old Royal Infirmary site.

Scale designs for the University of Worcester's second campus in the city centre are to be put on display from today with four design companies bidding for the exciting £90m contract. One company wants the viaduct to replicate bridges in Florence, where shops are built into the arches to maximise space.

Only one firm will be selected to create the landmark city-based campus, which will transform the derelict site of the former hospital into an academic and cultural quarter.

The architects have been briefed to use the five-acre site to include a 400-capacity conference centre attracting more than 20,000 delegates a year, student halls, offices, a hotel and restaurants.

Steve Stock, director of Broadway Malyan, which designed campuses at the universities of Surrey and Edinburgh, said: "We really want the university to have its own space but also to be part of the city like in Oxford and Cambridge.

"We've also looked at the potential of using the arches of the viaduct for retail units. But as there would not be enough arches we would look at having prefabricated pods bolted on to make more space.

"We want to design a space for learning, working and recreation that is part of the fabric of the city."

Another design, by Building Design Partnership, includes a sunken conference centre so people can walk across its roof and down into a town square.

Architect director Helen Grove said: "At the front, looking out over the river and Pitchcroft, will be an arts centre with theatre and restaurant so it will have wonderful views.

"The other buildings are designed perpendicular to the viaduct to create winter gardens between the buildings to catch the sun and protect people from the noise of the railway. We want to integrate everybody in the city. A town square for students, residents and visitors to enjoy this attractive space."

University of Worcester's project leader, pro-vice chancellor Dr Martin Doughty, said: "This development is a once in a lifetime chance to regenerate a major part of Worcester centre and we want the public to have their say in how to shape its future. It will benefit Worcester and the region educationally, economically and culturally."

Designs are on display at Worcester's Guildhall from today at 1.30pm until 2pm Friday, between 8.30am and 4.30pm.