The Waterfront Enterprise Board (WEB) has released details of what it intends to do with the old buildings after years of dispute and discussion.

Originally the intention was to keep the shell of the structure and knock down all the internal walls to make a modern shopping centre and bus depot.

But now WEB managing director David Margason said the plans would keep the old fabric of the building, using it to create a series of covered streets with shops and offices in a new complex called Liberation Place.

Two-year project

There will also be a new transportation centre.

The future of the old buildings has caused a lot of controversy, after lying derelict for many years.

The full plans for the site will go on display to the public later in the spring and will go to planning for approval at the end of May.

It is estimated the work will cost about �30m and it is hoped work on the two-year project will begin at the end of the year.