DEVELOPERS behind much-delayed plans to build a shopping centre have claimed the project will still go ahead, despite fears to the contrary.

Discovery Properties hopes to submit a revised planning application later this year for the Oval, in Darlington, similar to its initial proposals.

The firm said the new plans are unlikely to include a multi-screen cinema on the Commercial Street site but that it would still be based around a department store. The centre is also expected to be focused on retail rather than leisure outlets.

Discovery Properties first came up with its proposals in 2006 but the scheme has suffered delays principally because of the recession. The firm has continually altered its planned opening date.

Chief executive Hugo Hawkings said: "It is more financially and economically difficult and it is harder to put this scheme together. It is taking longer than we would have liked."

He said talks continued to find an occupant for a department store but high-street retailers were still attracted to the scheme because it could offer appropriate sized units which were unavailable elsewhere in the town.

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said the authority was "working closely" with Discovery to bring the development to the town.

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