THE first pictures documenting how a major retail, residential and commercial development could breathe new life into Sandymoor have been published. 

Plans for a district centre have been unveiled more than ten years after outline planning permission was initially granted.

The long-awaited proposals would see the development of a convenience store, a ‘retail cluster’, restaurants, cafes, a children’s nursery, a vet and living facilities for the over 55s.

The centre is at the heart of the Sandymoor master plan, designed to improve the social infrastructure of the area, which formed as a residential neighbourhood in the 70s.

The area currently has around 900 homes but will extend to more than 2,000 when three active housing development sites are complete.

The new plans were submitted by PRP Architects LLP on behalf of Lane End Developments this week.

The developers have described Sandymoor as a residential area 'which doesn’t have local amenities'.

If approved, images show that the neighbourhood will house a modern centre featuring shops, restaurants, bungalows and a nursery.

Public consultations revealed a desire for shops and cafes, but strong opposition to pubs and takeaways.

The retail units will sit in between the development of a new children’s nursery and the existing Sandymoor Community Hall.

The blueprints also include accommodation blocks for over 55s comprising of apartments and bungalows.

The site is currently vacant, and lies between Pitts Heath Lane to the west, Otterburn Street to the south and Morris Homes development The Meadows to the east.

It is believed the convenience store will become a Co-op store after the company's branding was featured on the plans.