Proposals for £20m revamp to bring new shops to town

Developers Thornfield Properties will work with Stockton Borough Council, the Thornaby Regeneration Partnership and the local community to transform the heart of Thornaby.

It is hoped the development will encourage people from other areas in Teesside to visit the town for shopping and leisure.

Thornfield chairman Tony Marcus said: "The redevelopment of Thornaby town centre is an exciting project. Our aim is to breathe new life into Thornaby and meet the needs of a community who deserve increased facilities, plus more commercial and retail choice."

The Asda store and Pavilion Leisure Centre will remain, with a 17,500 sq ft store and 30 retail units planned to surround the remodelled St Peter's Square.

Wrightson House and the Golden Eagle Hotel will also stay, with selected parts of the existing estate being refurbished.

The leisure centre and bowls club will also continue to play a vital part in the town.

The development will also include 10,000 sq ft of office space in a bid to attract businesses to the area.

Ian Sanderson, development executive at Thornfield, said: "This project will revolutionise Thornaby town centre with new developments creating a contemporary and thriving heart to the local community.

"Providing a dynamic mix of new retailers will position Thornaby as a prominent town centre for the community."

The proposals have been developed through consultation with local residents, which saw 97 per cent of those questioned felt the range of shops in the centre needed improving and 88 per cent said they would be likely to visit an improved centre more often.

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton council's cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I am delighted we are moving forward with the regeneration of Thornaby town centre. It is well-used and the proposed scheme will help to revitalise the centre and give people facilities worthy of a 21st Century centre."

It is hoped work will begin in the spring of 2005.