MORECAMBE'S former Bubbles site could be in new hands by the end of the year as Lancaster City Council set out the standards it requires.

The council wants developers to provide 'an attraction that would carry forward the renaissance of the resort,' bring extra visitors to Morecambe and extend the main holiday season.

The development will also have to be designed to a high standard in order to complement the nearby Midland Hotel, which is shortly to be redeveloped.

A development brief was due to be agreed at a meeting of the council's Regeneration Review Board last Wednesday.

Developers have until September 30 to send a sealed bid to the City Council which must also detail their development proposals for the site and a statement of how the scheme will be funded.

The same meeting was also expected to finalise a major document laying out the future of Morecambe's town centre.

Amongst the features of the Morecambe Town Centre Strategy is the creation of a 'Poem Path' which will link the bus station with local attractions.

The path will have a 'high quality ' surface with a series of poems set into it reflecting the 'bird' theme of the Tern Project.

It will also be landscaped with public artwork.

Other key elements of the strategy include ensuring the future use of the Winter Gardens and redevelopment of the Midland Hotel.

The council will also look into the possibility of appointing a town centre manager for Morecambe and will work to reduce the number of vacant shops in the main shopping area.