FIVE ideas outlining what a derelict swathe of land in Derby city centre could be used for have gone on public display.

Urban regeneration company Derby Cityscape is producing a development strategy for the Becketwell site, which includes the old Debenhams building in Victoria Street and Duckworth Square.

The options, which are on display at the Heritage Hotel in Macklin Street, include using the stretch of land for more retail space, such as a large supermarket.

Hugh Smith of Scott Wilson Ltd, which is leading the team drawing up the plans, said: "These are just ideas to get people thinking. We are not saying that one of these should be exactly what happens on the site. It could be a mixture of different ideas. It is not unknown for large supermarkets like Tesco to have space above the store for doctors' surgeries or other uses."

Tesco was previously interested in the site when Debenhams became vacant in 2007 and says it is keeping a close eye on the work being done by Derby Cityscape.

Another option put forward is for mainly office space with some shops, a third is for more leisure and community uses.

A fourth option is for a mixture of residential and shop areas, while another choice offers a similar mixture plus a hotel. Among those who viewed the plans was Jackie Newbury, 62, of Ladybank Road in Mickleover.

She attends the United Reformed Church on the site at the moment.

"We hope the church will still be included on the site somewhere," she said. "But I quite like the options, in particular the one which has a mixture of shops and leisure and curved buildings.

"I would just love to see this area come back to life, whatever happens to it."

Feedback forms were filled in by visitors and suggestions left stuck to a board.

Some of the ideas stated simply "Tesco please!" Others asked for nursery provision and community uses.

John Cadwallader, chief executive of Derby Cityscape, said the results of the public consultations would form part of a report which the team would present in November.

From there, two preferred options will be taken forward before a choice is made and planning permission sought.

Mr Cadwallader said: "We want to get something in place and get ideas formed in the relatively short term to identify what's right for here and what fits.

"The caution is that in the current climate we will only take it to market when we feel the market is right.

"But we want to have things in place so we can move when the time is right."

Jane Temple, of Arthur Street, said she hoped that time came sooner rather than later.

"This site has been empty for so long that it is really important it is redeveloped – and redeveloped well," she said.

A second public consultation event was due to take place today in Star Furnishings, the former Debenhams, in Victoria Street, from 10am to 2pm.