ONE of the North-East's major urban railway stations is on track for a long-awaited refurbishment.

Project partners are considering proposals for a £10m upgrade of the central station in Sunderland, following an 18-month study by developers GL Hearn.

Proposals include shopping arcades along two levels, walkways linking the station to nearby streets and a revamp of the entrance and platforms.

The platform area would have a similar design to those on the Metro system, as the station doubles as a stop on the Tyne and Wear light rail network. Escalators would be added to connect floors, with a walkway leading to the Market Square and Athenaeum Street.

Among the backers of the scheme are Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, transport operator Nexus, Arriva Trains, the Strategic Rail Authority, Network Rail, regional development agency One NorthEast and Sunderland City Council.

City council leader Bob Symonds said he hoped the new plans would finally see the station, built for the 1966 World Cup, brought into the 21st Century.

He conceded that the station as it looks now, "gives people the wrong impression" of the city on arrival.

"I'm not very happy with the way it looks at the moment," he said.

Phil Barrett, the city council's development and regeneration director, said there was a wide commitment to ensure that something happens at the station.

"I'm optimistic we'll see some real progress very soon," he said.

It is hoped that the consultants' plans will be completed by late March once the potential for retail space is fully examined.