A multi-million pound shopping centre development looks set to be given the go ahead in the heart of a North-East town.

The proposed three storey complex forms part of a retail revolution in Darlington, County Durham, as the town welcomes a number of exciting changes.

Investream Ltd wants to redevelop the existing Crown Street car park to form an impressive retail or leisure development with additional parking.

This, alongside plans for the new £45m Queen Street shopping arcade, at the other end of the town centre, could put Darlington on a par with other big retail centres in the region.

Deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council Bill Dixon welcomes the Crown Street proposal, saying it shows commitment from developers to better the town centre.

"This will bring in more quality shops without jeopardising the car parking facilities. It is a win-win situation," he said.

Detailed plans for the site comprise of two ground floor retail and/ or leisure units and a total of 412 secure parking spaces, including disabled lots, on the upper three floors.

It will be predominantly red brick to fit with the character of nearby buildings, including the adjacent Central Library - a Grade II listed building.

Pedestrian facilities and street lighting will be greatly improved around the site and there will be a secure park for bikes and motorcycles.

The development has triggered a mixed response, with objections from Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the Civic Trust. CPRE wrote to the council outlining its concerns about the look of the building, saying: "This is an important and sensitive site, which offers a great opportunity to enhance Darlington. However in our opinion this development does not take that opportunity."

The application comes before Darlington's planning committee on Wednesday and councillors have been recommended to approve it. Planners say the proposal complies with the Local Plan and the Development Strategy for the Town Centre and will do nothing to undermine the vitality and viability of other uses within Darlington.

It is not yet known what shops or leisure facilities will occupy the two ground floor units.