There were mixed reactions from the community about plans to build sheltered housing on a field at Bosvale in Falmouth.
Many of those who attended an open day to see the plans by Abbeyfield raised concerns about the loss of the open space.
But Falmouth Rotary Club, which is donating the land for the development, said they are genuinely listening to the concerns and working to overcome them.
The scheme for a 75-bed facility will also see the replacement of the aging community centre along with a restaurant.
Nigel Druce from the club said: "Obviously there were some people very concerned about losing a green field site.
"Many told stories about how it was used in the 1970s and 80s and would like those days back.
"We are listening and we are talking to Abbeyfield about the potential for a football field to be incorporated, but cannot make any promises."
And he said the development will see more space created, as a current unused area by the stream which runs past the site, will be landscaped with a public walkway and seating.
And the play area at the far end of the site will remain as that is owned by Cornwall Council.
"One of the things we want to do is make it a community building as well as somewhere for people to call home," said Mr Druce.
"In the main people listened to us and there were quite a lot of people who asked when they could put their name down for a room!"
"We have plenty of time to talk about all the issues as we haven't even put in the pre-application yet, let alone the actual planning application."
Further open days are planned to ensure residents get further opportunities to discuss the proposal.
