PART of a plan aimed at breathing new life into a town centre, including a famous film location, won planning approval today.

A new health centre with two GP practices will be created as part of the £150m development of Trinity Square, Gateshead, by Spenhill, the regeneration subsidiary of Tesco.

The square was previously known as home to the famous 1960s concrete multi-storey car park featured in the 1971 cult gangster movie, Get Carter, starring Michael Caine, which was set on Tyneside.

As part of the regeneration plan the car park was demolished last year prior to the work taking place.

Gateshead Council’s planning committee yesterday gave the go ahead for the health centre, which will be a feature of what is considered to be the largest regeneration project of its type now taking place outside London.

The overall plan will see a new town square, 45 retail units, offices, a student village with almost 1,000 beds and a Tesco Extra store.

Council leader Mick Henry, said: "It’s a huge step towards our aspirations for central Gateshead and, of course, it’s a major vote of confidence from developers that such a scheme can take place in the current economic climate."

More than 1,000 jobs will be created as a result of the redevelopment.

Groundwork has nearly been completed allowing construction to start, with the aim for the new Tesco store to open in 2013.

Spenhill corporate affairs director Doug Wilson said: "The Trinity Square scheme is very significant both in North-East and UK terms.

"The early stages of work required on the site have gone according to plan.

Mr Wilson added that local people can soon expect to see the first signs of construction.