THE company behind the new Wembley project is involved in a proposed city centre redevelopment scheme in the North-East.

Australian construction company Multiplex revealed it is to work with Newcastle City Council in drawing up plans to restore and breathe new life into three partly run-down blocks to the east of Pilgrim Street.

Talks, in the form of "workshop" discussions, are expected to take place later this year between Multiplex and the city council to devise the site development strategy.

It takes in the now-closed Odeon cinema complex, a former fire station, plus old commercial and office premises, several of which are listed.

Multiplex has acquired control of a large amount of property in the area, but hopes to talk to other site owners about the development proposals, which are expected to be "retail-led".

Retail development managing director Mike McGuinness said Multiplex was "very excited" over the potential for the site.

"But, obviously, we want to make sure we are at one with the council's aspirations.

"We are in dialogue with the council and will have some workshops with them in early October."

Mr McGuinness said the company hopes to re-invigorate the master-plan for the site, giving particular "special treatment" to those buildings with listed-status.

A city council spokesman said the authority is seeking a mixed-use redevelopment of the three blocks, which are north of the Swan House roundabout at the Newcastle end of the Tyne Bridge.

* Multiplex is locked in a legal battle with Darlington engineering company Cleveland Bridge over work it carried out on the Wembley Stadium redevelopment.

Cleveland Bridge was axed as a principle steel contractor, leading to lingering recriminations between both parties over the financial settlement.

It is expected to be resolved in court early next year.

Multiplex has warned of potential profit losses as it strives to meet the deadline of completing the Wembley project in time for the new stadium to stage next year's FA Cup final