One of the aims is to improve disabled access in the town

The New Heart Project aims to regenerate Chester-le-Street to create a modern environment and attract visitors and businesses.

The plans aim, among other things, to create a new civic square, light key structures like the viaduct and redesign the market place.

A three-day exhibition opens on Thursday to give people the chance to have a detailed look at the scheme.

Improve access

Chester-le-Street District Council economic development manager, George Mansbridge, said they had been working on the plans for the past couple of years and there has been consultation with local people and businesses.

He said: "I think the strong message here is that this is not about tinkering around the edges. This is a real fundamental regeneration of the town over the next three years."

Other strands to the scheme are an enterprise and learning centre, plans to improve access for disabled people and a heritage trail.

The exhibition runs from Thursday until Saturday at the Mechanics Institute in the town.