PROPOSALS to transform Billingham town centre have moved a step nearer with the appointment of DTZ Debenham Tie Leung (dtz) as property advisor.

One of DTZ's first tasks will be to secure a supermarket to attract shoppers, and to negotiate a multi-million pound private finance deal that will allow the implementation of a regeneration package for the rest of the town centre.

It is proposed that the capital receipt from the sale of the Forum Leisure Centre to a supermarket operator will be used to help fund a new leisure centre.

The town centre area is largely owned by Stockton Borough Council.

DTZ associate director Chris Rice said yesterday: "Billingham is a vibrant centre, but a design and layout that was innovative for a 1960s new town is now looking somewhat dated.

"As development advisor to Stockton council, we aim to bring in substantial private sector investment to give the centre a major facelift, and thereby significantly improve the retail and leisure on offer.

"The present retail mix is good, with key occupiers such as Boyes department store, Asda and Kwiksave, but many premises do not offer the size and flexibility required by today's multiple retailers.

"By realising new money, the aim is to create an attractive environment for retailers and shoppers alike, along with the commercial and ancillary businesses that are at the heart of a successful, modern town."

Stockton council cabinet member, Councillor Barry Woodhouse, said: "There are 36,000 people living in Billingham, but they have to choose between either visiting the smallest Asda in the country, Kwiksave, or travelling to Middlesbrough or Stockton for their weekly shopping trip.

"We do not want an out-of-town store, we want a 60,000sq ft supermarket that will attract shoppers to the heart of the centre.

"Working with the Billingham Regeneration Partnership Board, we will be looking to have selected a preferred operator by the end of this year, and expect to make significant progress in securing contracts for the implementation of the regeneration scheme over the next 12 months."

DTZ has a strong track record in bringing new life to North-East town centres, including success in transforming Hartlepool into a vibrant shopping destination, and considerably strengthening The Galleries, at Washington, Wearside.