The new 234-bed high-security psychiatric facility – which will be built next to the existing complex – is due to be completed by spring 2017.

Residents had the chance to look at the designs and speak to project bosses at events in Crowthorne and Sandhurst.

Sue Burton, of Napier Road, Crowthorne, was impressed by the plans when she looked at them at the village library last Thursday.

She said: “It looks as though it has been well planned and well spaced on the site. The way they’ve coped with the ground levels is good – the buildings are going to be on three levels and I thought that’s quite a good use of the land.

“One concern I did have was about the water run off but they answered that.” The new facility will have a system where rain water is stored in 'reservoirs’ on the site.

She added: “On the whole it’s good but the amount of housing will be important – the village can’t cope with it.” Part of the existing Broadmoor site has been earmarked for 400 new homes as part of Bracknell Forest Council’s long-term housing strategy, which will result in more than 11,000 homes being built in the borough by 2026.

It has not been decided what will happen to the existing Victorian hospital buildings, some of which are listed.

Another visitor at the exhibition at the library was Neil Lofthouse, from Crowthorne, who said: “It all seems very good on paper although they always do.

“I’m quite pleased that there’s not going to be a through road – that’s quite reassuring. I’d say it’s so far so good.” Neil Montgomery, design and construction manager of the project at West London Mental Health Trust, which runs Broadmoor, said he is working closely with Bracknell Forest Council to ensure the scheme is successful.

The new buildings will provide accommodation for 210 patients.

In total about 100 people visited the exhibition at Crowthorne Library last week, and Christine Tama, redevelopment communications officer at the health trust, said: “Both sessions had extremely busy peak periods and were well attended and well received.” Another exhibition took place at The Meadows, in Sandhurst on Tuesday.