PEOPLE are being urged to have their say on plans for a multi-million pound town centre regeneration.

Thornfield Properties Plc has been chosen by Stockton Borough Council to redevelop and refurbish Thornaby town centre.

The company is investing more than £15m to provide an opportunity to attract retailers to the town.

The proposal includes the development of retail units, which will replace smaller shops, many of them vacant, in Appleby and Brus House.

Together with Meynell House, these properties will be demolished to make way for the scheme.

A 350-space car park will be constructed at the northern end of the scheme fronting Mitchell Avenue, replacing the car parks fronting Allensway.

It is anticipated that the market will continue to trade from the Town Square area, which will be totally refurbished and will become the main entrance to the shopping centre.

Residents are invited to visit an exhibition and consultation events this week.

They will be held in the old carpet shop, in the town centre, on Thursday, from 10am to 7pm, Friday, from 10am to 3pm, and Saturday, from 10am to 3pm.

Ward councillor Eileen Craggs said: "The town centre has been a huge topic for residents of Thornaby for a long time and everybody has been awaiting this development.

"I would urge them to go along and have their say and input.

"For many years people have been worried about the decaying town centre, and this development will take it into the 21st Century.

"It is, though, important they have their say."

A planning application will be submitted later in the year. If granted permission, building work is scheduled to begin in autumn next year.

It is hoped the improvements will be completed and the shopping centre relaunched in time for Christmas 2005.

The works will be phased to ensure that, while building takes place, there will be at least 150 parking spaces available at the northern end of the site.