National Trust staff and volunteers were on hand at the site of the proposed visitor centre, close to the Corinthian Arch, to present the details of the project and to explain ways local people can be involved.

"We wanted local people to be the first to see our plans," said project manager Richard Hill. "Many people have been curious about the project since we acquired the New Inn three years ago and we have been consulting with representatives from the local community and local authorities in order to get to this stage.

"I'm delighted to say we had an overwhelmingly positive response and people were very complimentary about our plans for the new visitor centre."

Local people were keen to share their memories of New Inn and to explain what Stowe means to them.

Some concern was expressed over the distance from the New Inn to the Bell Gate entry point, the provision for regular walkers wanting to access the north side of the estate, and increased traffic close to the Corinthian Arch.

"People were generally pleased to hear that a 'land train' will be provided as an alternative to walking to and from the new entry point," said Mr Hill. "We have registered all of the comments that were made over the two days and will be looking at what we can do to maximise the benefits for everyone," he added.

The new visitor centre is based around the restoration of the New Inn, a disused 18th Century coaching inn.
Designed by award-winning architects Cowper Griffith, the centre will blend restored historic buildings and new build in contemporary style, using reclaimed, traditional and sustainable materials.

The new visitor centre will incorporate a modern restaurant with 135 seats, an outdoor dining area, a room for educational and community use, a new shop and toilets, and facilities for staff and volunteers.

New Inn was built in 1717 for the early tourists who marvelled at Stowe's newly-created gardens. The New Stowe project will recreate the original entry point to the gardens at Bell Gate, accessed from a path to the right of the Corinthian Arch, while a public involvement programme will help guide the transformation.

The new visitor centre is due to open in 2011. Work is set to start on the new car park and roads in September 2009, with building work at New Inn taking place between January 2010 and June 2011.