A BLUEPRINT designed to spearhead a multi-billion pound economic rejuvenation of Redcar and Cleveland is going on display for residents to inspect the ambitious proposals.

The council has drawn up a wide ranging masterplan aimed at bringing in 14,000 jobs, 610 new businesses, 7,000 new homes and attract £4.5bn worth of private sector investment by 2025.

The proposals are intended to help the area move away from its dependency on the steel and petro-chemical industries.

Councillor Mark Hannon, cabinet member for economic development, said: "The turbulent economic times we have been through lately highlight the fact that we can no longer rely on traditional industries.

"We must diversify our economy, embrace new technologies and tackle the challenges we face head-on. The economic regeneration masterplan is central to those efforts."

Significant progress has already been made in the regeneration of the Borough, with £30m having been secured to revive Redcar seafront, as well as £8m for The Hub - a focal point for the areas burgeoning creative industries sector.

In the economically-crucial South Tees area, more than 2,000 jobs have been created or safeguarded, with £484m worth of private investment coming from firms including Huntsman, Asda and ElringKlinger.

Council Leader George Dunning said: "This is a hugely important piece of consultation and I hope as many people as possible will attend the sessions, as these are issues which will affect generations of people to come."

The first session takes place in Redcar Library tomorrow from 10.30am until 4pm and Saturday from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

The plans will then appear in Guisborough, Loftus and South Bank in the following weeks.

Visitors will be able to give feedback and speak to council officers, with their views helping to shape the final plan.

The masterplan can also be viewed at www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/regeneration.