ABOUT 200 jobs are expected to be created when a department store moves into The Northern Echo building in Darlington.

Members of the public are being invited to give their views on the transformation of the historic newspaper offices into a Debenhams store.

The retail chain is proposing to move into The Northern Echo building in Priestgate, Darlington, within the next three years,ending the newspaper’s 140-year involvement with the site.

However, the paper remains firmly committed to Darlington and is exploring options for alternative accommodation within the town centre.

A consultation event is being held next Wednesday, when representatives from the team behind the proposed development will be available to answer questions and hear people’s thoughts.

Last month, it was announced that the Moorfield Real Estate Fund, which is part of the group which owns the Cornmill Shopping Centre had agreed with retail firm Debenhams to take over The Echo building.

The firm plans to transform the four-storey building into a 62,000sq ft department store by autumn 2014.

While few changes will be made to the exterior of the building, the inside will be completely refitted.

The move will make the Debenhams store the largest outlet in the Cornmill.

Susan Young, Cornmill Shopping Centre manager, said: “The public consultation is an opportunity for people to come along, see the plans for themselves and have their say on what promises to be an exciting addition to the town’s retail offer.”

The Northern Echo has been situated in Priestgate since the first copy was published on January 1, 1870. The existing building was redeveloped in 1916.

David Coates, regional managing director of The Northern Echo’s publisher, Newsquest, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Darlington, but our business will continue to be based in the heart of the town.”

The consultation event takes place between 10am and 3pm in the Cornmill, between Cafe M and Virgin Media.

Comments can also be emailed to northernecho-redevelopment@moorfield.com or post them to Ruth Fenton at Moorfield, 65 Curzon Street, London,W1J 8PE, to arrive no later than Wednesday, September 14.