MULTI-million pound plans to revamp an East Durham town centre have gone on public display.

Residents can see proposals for the redevelopment of St John’s Square, in Seaham, at two locations in the town over coming days.

The £19m makeover project will create a new civic heart for the town.

It will involve the demolition of the existing Durham County Council and County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) buildings and the creation of a range of new facilities, including a health care centre and multi-use building featuring a library and town council offices.

The plans have been approved by Durham County Council.

However, proposals for a public open space at the centre of the project are yet to be finalised - and public comments are welcome.

Tony Forster, regeneration projects manager, said: "This major development is critical to our long-term strategy to breathe new life into Seaham.

"The scheme, which is some two years in the making, will radically transform a prime site in the heart of the town.

"Putting the plans on display will give members of the public the chance to take another look at what will be happening on the site and also have their say on how they would like to see the open space between the buildings developed."

Work on the development, a joint venture of Durham County Council, County Durham PCT and Seaham Town Council, is due to start in August.

The plans will be on display in Seaham Town Council offices, on Church Street, until Friday, July 10. Opening times are 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.

After Friday, July 10, they can be viewed at Seaham town library, between 9.30am and 7pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesdays; and 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.

For more information, call Gareth Neill, regeneration co-ordinator, on 0191-527-0501 or email: gareth.neill@durham.gov.uk