Developers hope the rebuilding of the heart of the city will boost spending by �1.5bn as more shoppers are attracted to the new-look centre.

Demolition and construction work for the scheme will take three years to complete.

But some small businesses fear they could be kicked out to make way for the development.

Wide appeal

The plan includes a huge new department store together with 50 new shops, caf�s and restaurants alongside apartments.

Developers want to tempt shoppers away from other centres like Bristol and Plymouth.

"The greater pedestrianisation, the varied architecture and the range of uses will appeal to all," said Mike McGuiness of developers Land Securities.

"People won't just come here to shop - they will come here to live, to work and to play, that's a major factor in urban regeneration today."