SOUTH Ribble Borough Council chiefs have unveiled the first image of the blueprint for Leyland's new town centre market.

Work on the site, in Northcote Street, off Hough Lane, has already started and the modern development is expected to open later this year.

Part of the plan is to convert the former British Commercial Vehicle Museum storage building to create a permanent indoor market area.

A temporary outdoor market will be sited on the car park, off Ecroyd Street, Leyland, at the back of Barclays Bank, initially for three years.

The three-day-a-week market will continue to trade from its present site, in Southern Towngate, until the move in autumn.

Earlier this year Leyland-based contractors Marland Brothers Ltd won the refurbishment contract which includes an improved pedestrian access to the site. Market Initiatives Ltd will continue to operate the new market and has pledged to work with the traders to make it a great success.

Councillor for Leyland Central, Matthew Tomlinson, said: "Everyone is really looking forward to this long overdue move and the traders just want to be there.

"The market has been isolated for too long and it makes a lot of sense to move it further into town."

The scheme, which represents a major investment in the town by South Ribble Borough Council, will see the development of the current market site into a new Tesco's supermarket, creating more than 300 new jobs.

In Church Hill Way, the re-development of the former gas works site has already taken shape with American fast food giant McDonalds moving in alongside supermarket Lidl and First Choice entertainment store.

There are also plans to expand the site later this year to include a unit for catalogue giant Argos and take-away chain Domino Pizza UK Ltd, who are currently seeking permission to open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.