REDEVELOPMENT plans for a key regional shopping centre took another step closer to realisation yesterday.

Newcastle City Council cabinet members gave approval in principle for a £120m revamp of the Eldon Square complex in the city centre.

Provisional plans for the first major overhaul of the 26-year-old indoor shopping centre include the demolition of the Eldon Square indoor bus concourse, Newgate Street Car Park, and the removal of the Green Market.

Eldon Square, run by Capital Shopping Centre, would be expanded with the addition of a flagship department store, while the Green Market traders would be invited to find pitches in a revamped Grainger Market as part of the development.

The proposals have met with an angry response from Green Market traders, who say their businesses are viable in their existing location.

They are unhappy at the lack of consultation and fear there will not be suitable spots for them in any refurbishment of the Grainger Market.

City council leader Tony Flynn said there would be further discussions with traders about the relocation into the Grainger Market.

He pledged to try to accommodate all traders affected by the redevelopment so their businesses could remain within the city centre.