A NORTH-EAST council has revealed further details of its plans to rescue a crucial £90m retail development.

In September, the St Martin's Property Group pulled out of the Commercial Street scheme in Darlington to concentrate on projects in London.

The company put its long-established Queen Street shopping arcade up for sale, in what was seen as a severe setback to the town's prosperity.

The development also left Darlington Borough Council chiefs fearing the land could be sold to a company not interested in developing it for shopping.

Last month, the authority's cabinet approved a plan to market its neighbouring land for sale and use compulsory purchase to ensure the complex was built.

Council car park land in Commercial Street and Kendrew Street will be marketed for sale.

Cabinet members are now set to agree the process for selecting a developer to take the project forward.

This month, developers will be asked to submit an initial offer for the land, a sketch of the project and financial details. Next month, council officers will assess the submissions.

By the end of the year, a shortlist of five developers will be drawn up and they will be asked to provide detailed applications.

In the new year, developers will be interviewed, public exhibitions will be held and a report to councillors will be prepared to recommend a developer.

Councillors will meet on Tuesday and are expected to approve the selection process.