Full planning consent has been awarded for the redevelopment of Thornaby town centre into a retail, leisure and commercial destination.

Work on new shopping units and thousands of feet of office space is due to begin in 2005.

It will be carried out by Thornfield Properties plc, together with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the Thornaby Regeneration Partnership.

Enhanced areas

The Pavilion Leisure Centre will remain and there will be more than 30 new retail units surrounding the remodelled St Peters Square and beyond.

A block containing office and retail space is planned for opposite Wrightson House.

Ian Sanderson, senior development executive at Thornfield Properties said: "The project has been designed to reflect the needs and requirements of the local community and will revolutionise Thornaby.

"Everything from shopping to working and living in the area will be enhanced."