West Lancashire Council says the plans, which include new shops, bars, cinema, leisure centre and bus station, will give Skelmersdale a new heart.

However, in order for the scheme to go ahead, 189 homes in Firbeck and Findon would have to be demolished. That has upset some residents living there.

A survey about the plans has been sent to 15,000 homes and firms in the town.

Details of the proposal have also gone on display in the Concourse shopping centre in Skelmersdale.

Summer review

Councillor 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.

"The project will bring new jobs and investment, building a new heart for Skelmersdale that local people can be proud of."

The authority says that the properties which could be flattened to make way for the proposed development are no longer suitable for habitation because they are not well designed and do not meet modern standards.

It is proposing to identify a range of sites in Skelmersdale where new houses can be built to compensate for the homes if demolition does go ahead.

The masterplan for the proposed revamp is to be finalised in the summer once views have been collated and scrutinised.