THE regeneration of a town centre may not get under way for 15 months following the collapse of a deal between a council and a developer.

Stockton Borough Council's preferred developers, WD Limited, were chosen in 1999 to refurbish Thornaby town centre, but after a series of public consultations the deal failed.

The council claimed the company had reduced the amount of cash it would invest in the area and refused to accept conditions imposed on the deal by a public consultation.

But plans have now been drawn up to re-market the project to try to attract new offers to run the scheme. Companies will be invited to express interest in the project by October, with a new preferred developer appointed by December.

Another public consultation will then be held next year with the transfer of the centre to the new company starting in October 2002.

Stockton council is also overseeing a controversial redevelopment of Billingham town centre with the popular Forum being replaced by a supermarket and a new arts facility and sports centre being built.

Meanwhile in Stockton, the new Wellington Square Shopping Centre is reaching completion as is the new Baptist Tabernacle which should be finished this month.