MULTI-MILLION pound plans to transform a Teesside town centre have been unveiled.

The £20m regeneration of Billingham went out to public consultation today.

Developers Stockland, working in partnership with Stockton Borough Council, are urging the public to have their say on the masterplan.

The design, which is on display at 108 Queensway until Saturday, November 14, details proposals for a new foodstore in West Precinct, improvements to shop frontages, new lighting, paving, play facilities, ground-floor public toilets and a general overhaul of the town’s main shopping area.

The vision for the town centre has been created through earlier consultations and discussions with Stockton Borough Council.

Simon Hoad, development director for Stockland, said: "At the moment there are people who do not enjoy shopping, we need to create an environment that people want to come to.

"The regeneration plans are set to make sure that members of the public as well as traders, local business representatives and other interested groups have the opportunity to comment on them.

"If people are not able to attend the exhibition, we encourage them to have a look at the proposals on the council’s website and let us know their views online.

"This is an opportunity to shape the way we collectively invest in and regenerate Billingham Town Centre.

"We’re hoping that members of the public and people with an interest in the town centre will want to visit the exhibition, talk to our team and tell us what they think.

"That way we can ensure that we bring forward the very best proposals for improving the town centre."

Councillor Bob Cook, Stockton Borough Council’s cabinet member for transport and regeneration, said: "This consultation process with the people of Billingham and the wider borough is an important step towards the regeneration of the town centre.

"We would encourage residents, businesses and visitors in Billingham to go along, look at the proposals and have an input into the future plans."

Work on the project is expected to be rolled out in phases from next month, with completion by the end of 2012.