A multi-million-pound house building programme is proposed for the site currently occupied by the City of Bristol College in Marksbury Road, and Kingswear Road and Torpoint Road flats.
The college will shut when its departments move to new centres including Hartcliffe, and the housing association flats are in need of regeneration.
Now planning experts are starting a consultation programme for the site, which will begin with an open day at the college on February 14, from 11am to 3pm.
Among the questions Fashion, Architecture and Taste (FAT) architects will ask the community are:
What sort of housing is appropriate for the area?
What needs to be done to improve facilities like shops in the area?
What parks, play areas and other open spaces are needed?
What roads and pathways are needed?
How does the redevelopment of this space fit into the wider area?
South Bristol is a key regeneration priority for Bristol City Council over the next 20 years.
It is working with the Government's Homes and Communities Agency and Knightstone Housing Association on the scheme.
Councillor Mark Bradshaw, cabinet member for sustainable development, said: "South Bristol remains our key priority for regeneration and renewal and this project is an important stage in bringing forward more detailed proposals based on extensive community engagement. We want to hear from local residents about how they would like to see this area of land redeveloped and what needs to be put in place.
"This is a once-in-a-generation chance to transform a landmark site which has suffered from a lack of investment and opportunity.
"What we achieve here will set the standard for the wider transformation of the area."
The aims of the redevelopment include the creation of a balanced mix of new housing, including those for sale and for rent, and the promotion of high-quality urban design and high environmental standards.
