FRESH plans for a former food factory are being unveiled to the public at an exhibition next week.

The company behind the development at the former Kerry Foods site, in Gilesgate Moor, Durham, says it will create almost 100 new jobs.

Angel Developments is putting forward the proposals for St Andrew’s Park, off Dragon Lane, which includes a restaurant, bulky goods retail outlets and 220-space car park.

Daniel Gregg, senior planner at Lichfields, which is taking forward the proposals on behalf of the company, said: “Whilst Durham is currently served by a range of non-food shops, the range of operators selling bulky goods is relatively limited.

“These types of retail units cannot realistically be accommodated in Durham City centre, due to existing physical and heritage constraints, and are ideal for a location such as this.

“The proposals would complete the redevelopment of this largely vacant site and generate spin-off trade for existing retail facilities nearby.”

The Kerry Foods factory closed in July 2012 with the loss of around 350 jobs.

The factory building has been demolished and the site was cleared ahead of another application by Angel Developments, put forward in 2014.

At present, there is a Kwik Fit on the site, which opened last year.

The company also had permission for a drive-through McDonalds restaurant, which has so far not materialised.

The new proposal include provisions for a two-storey restaurant and 5,135sq ms of non-food retail outlets earmarked for bulky goods operators such as DIY, furniture and furnishings, carpets and flooring.

The development would be accessed from both McIntyre Way and Dragon Lane and there would be pedestrian links to other retail schemes in the vicinity.

Lichfields say the development would generate approximately 95 full time jobs and help stimulate interest in the trade counter units already constructed on the site.

Angel Developments was previously owned by Andrew Ward but has now been sold.

Recent plans have also been submitted for the nearby Dragonville Industrial Estate, which is next to St Andrew’s Park.

Dragon Lane LLP has put forward proposals for a development including discount supermarket Lidl and home store The Range.

A public exhibition of the plans is being held on Wednesday, March 28, at Belmont Community Centre, Gilesgate Moor, Durham, between 3pm and 7pm.

Members of the public are welcome to attend to share their views on the proposals.