The �350m development for Skelmersdale includes plans for shops, a leisure centre, a cinema and a swimming pool.

A spokesman for West Lancashire District Council said the plans would create a "new heart" for the town.

Public consultation on the plans is due to start in March with every house in the town due to receive a questionnaire.

The Council said it will consider all comments from the public before the masterplan is finalised during the summer.

The authority is proposing to identify a range of sites in Skelmersdale where new houses can be built to compensate for the homes lost at Firbeck and Findon if demolition goes ahead.

Cllr Ian Grant, portfolio holder for Regeneration, said: "This is an exciting blueprint to pave the way for improvements to the town centre that will benefit everyone who lives and works in Skelmersdale.