MULTI-MILLION pound plans to transform a large section of a Teesside town centre have been unveiled.

Stockton planners want to redevelop the area near the River Tees at Church Road and Bishop Street, near the baptist tabernacle.

The plan is to demolish buildings and build offices, apartment blocks, a hotel and what is described as a landmark of regional significance.

Environmental improvements would also be made, and it is hoped shops, restaurants and other residential accommodation could be attracted to the area.

The idea, by planners at Stockton Borough Council, is to take advantage of the Government-backed Northbank development, which will be completed on the north side of the River Tees next year.

It is hoped the latest scheme, called the Eastern Gateway project, will encourage people coming into the town to work at the £138m Northbank commercial development, in the town centre.

Tim Gibson, development officer for regeneration at Stockton Borough Council, said the Eastern Gateway plan was still in its early stages.

He said it would cost more than £1m to buy and demolish part of the area, and millions more to redevelop it.

He said: "This is very serious, but there is nothing concrete at this stage. The idea is to get a connection to the town centre from the forthcoming Northbank development.

"The next phase will be to identify properties and look at acquisition and demolition.

"We would need serious funding from government bodies such as One NorthEast and Tees Valley Regeneration Company to make this work."

A report to councillors said the landmark of regional significance would be commissioned once funding had been secured.

Areas already identified for demolition include the former Kwik Fit building, near the civic centre, and the ACC Dairy.

The 52-acre Northbank commercial development, which it is hoped will create 2,000 jobs, will include a bridge. It will cost £18m in public funding but it is hoped it will attract £120m of private finance.

Councillors at Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will discuss the proposals at the Civic Centre today.