DETAILED plans for a £1bn transformation of part of the North-East have been unveiled.

The scheme has been drawn up by consultants on behalf of Middlesbrough and Stockton councils, English Partnerships and the Tees Valley Partnership.

The £200,000 study envisages a transformation of the area.

The plans include:

* A new barrage downstream of the existing barrier;

* An international rowing lake;

* Using the River Tees to create canals for exclusive riverside developments;

* The creation of water features in Middlesbrough town centre;

* A railway station capable of serving both towns;

* A new transport interchange for buses and coaches;

Quality leisure and recreation facilities, a major performance venue, new housing and offices are also among the possible developments.

It is hoped that £250m of public funding can be found to start the project. Officials believe they can attract about £1bn of private investment.

Both councils believe the vision will give Teesside the economic clout of a city, allowing both towns to punch above their weight when seeking private investment.

News of the 20-year plans, dubbed The Stockton-Middlesbrough Initiative, was broken by The Northern Echo in 2003.

The report, seen by The Northern Echo, suggests a four-stage process that would expand Stockton and Middlesbrough's urban areas.

Five areas would be developed -Stockton East; Middlesbrough West; Portrack Riverside Park; Tees City Park; and South Tees Riverside Park.

Developments under way for the riverside in Middlesbrough and Stockton -the Middlehaven and Northbank schemes - will be incorporated in the plan.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This is our bid to give the conurbation at the heart of the Tees Valley the facilities, quality of life and economic clout of a major city.

"Both councils are committed to working in partnership with each other and with our colleagues in the Tees Valley and the region. Our plans will influence the lives of nearly one million people."

The plans will be discussed by executives of both councils next week.

Council officers will outline the proposals to development agencies, and public consultations are being planned across Teesside.

The proposals will also be showcased at the Delivering Sustainable Communities Summit in Manchester in February.