RETAILER Asda said yesterday it was "actively marketing" the outdated Bishop Auckland shopping centre it is due to quit for a £17.5m superstore next year.

The company is committed to giving the Newgate Centre a £2m facelift as part of a planning deal over its new development at Wilson's Forge, at the southern end of the town.

Former environment minister John Prescott gave the move his blessing following a public inquiry last year, but final approval is still needed from the housing and planning minister Lord Falconer.

Some traders fear that shoppers could be driven away from the north end of Newgate Street unless a prestige retailer can be attracted into Asda's 30,000sq ft shop.

Wear Valley District Council has approved plans for facades, signs and entrances at the Newgate Centre, but internal changes do not need permission.

The retailer says it will not release details of the revamped centre's new layout until the whole scheme is approved.

It does, however, plan to remove escalators leading to the first-floor car park and replace them with two large lifts and a staircase. A new glass structure will allow natural light into the centre, where there will be space for two cafes.

Asda has also pledged £150,000 towards a bus service running between the new store and the north end of Newgate Street, environmental improvements and traffic calming measures.