A LONG-TERM vision to revamp a town centre has been unveiled.

The Feethams area of Darlington, previously subject of a controversial supermarket plan, could be overhauled with new offices, flats, shops, bars and restaurants, under plans from Darlington Borough Council.

Council bosses have commissioned architects to draw up a plan to transform the town centre and boost the economy.

No firm plans are in place, and the proposals could take up to ten years to develop.

In 2006 supermarket company Tesco was refused permission to build a large store, 130 apartments and a new town hall in Darlington, after overwhelming opposition from town residents.

Council leader John Williams said the new scheme was designed as a reaction to the failed Tesco plans.

He said: "In 2006, we rejected the Tesco plan after hearing what local people thought about it.

"I said at the time I wanted to see a strong new vision for Feethams. Since then, we have looked at the site and now we want to show how the area might be used and see what people think.

"It is very early days, but this is an important part of the town centre and we want to make sure we get it right. To do that, we need to hear what local people think."

Two proposals have been created for the Arriva bus depot, the car parks at Beaumont Street and land behind the Town Hall.

The first features two office blocks, a large multi-storey car park and shops, cafes, bars restaurants or flats.

The second features two large car parks, three office blocks, mixed-use units and a public square by the River Skerne. The scheme does not include the Town Hall, or the former Darlington FC stadium.

John Anderson, the council's assistant director for regeneration, said: "We think it is important to develop this area because it is a bit of a mess.

"I can visualise quite an attractive environment in this area. The town tends to turn its back on the river at the moment, but this is an opportunity to start using that asset in a more positive way."

A series of consultation events will be held to give the public a chance to discuss the proposals. The first will be in High Row, Darlington, from 9.30am to 4.30pm on Monday, July 14.

The designs can also be viewed at darlington.gov.uk/ feethams