The development is currently being discussed as part of a massive redevelopment of this part of the city.
Test Valley Borough Council wants to go ahead with plans for a community centre, retail space, 20 new homes, a transport hub and a three-storey car park to replace the current Crosfield Hall in Broadwater Road.
Various negotiations have taken place and have generated mixed reactions; however, Romsey and District Society is now calling for that plan to be considered instead.
Neill Beasley, from the society, said it was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to create something special for the town.
He said: “This is an opportunity to create a real hub, a real community space and one that makes people proud to be in the city centre.”
The plan favored by the council will go before Test Valley City Council on December 3.
A public hearing was held at Romsey Town Hall on November 6 and attracted hundreds of people. However, society believes that the council should do more.
Mr Beasley said: “We think we should make the new Crosfield Hall a cultural hub for the town, open every day and featuring a tourist information centre, heritage display area, art and sculpture gallery, multi-purpose meeting spaces, social lobby and café, all centered on a pedestrianized primary civic space/square.
“Such open civic space could be a successful social generator in the city center and complement the market square, a more enjoyable space linking Stirling Walk with the pedestrian link past Boots and Dukes Mill.
“As such, a well-landscaped space would actually be an asset to the city, a place for the community and tourists, and an arena for singing, dancing, pop-up markets, screenings and communal gatherings.”
The council said it announced its best plan last year after several rounds of negotiations.
A spokesman said: “This is based on years of consultation and engagement with the community, including two citizens’ meetings, a public consultation and planning workshops.
“At the last event, around 120 responses were received, where local people highlighted what is important to them and what should be included in future planning.
“We appreciate Romsey and District Society sharing their ideas as part of this and there are some similarities in our proposals. However, their plans are to review the principles of the masterplan, which was drawn up following wider public consultation and participation.
“Some of the proposals, such as the proposed changes to Alma Road car park and Romsey Rapids, go outside the Romsey Town Center South Masterplan. We are going through all our car parks and looking at ways to improve Romsey Sports Centre, with work starting next year.
We appreciate the thought and effort behind these proposals, but at this stage, without technical or feasibility studies, it would be premature to comment on the details of RDS’ proposals.”
If the council’s preferred plan is approved on December 3, it will continue detailed feasibility and design work.
The spokesperson added: “We remain committed to working collaboratively as plans move forward.”