THE centre of Chorley could be transformed if plans for a massive expansion of the town’s shopping centre are approved.

Developers Reef propose to extend the Market Walk shopping centre over half of the Flat Iron market square and construct a multi-storey car park with 481 spaces.

The plans, which would create 7,600sq ft of retail space, have been resurrected after similar moves were abandoned in 2008 due to economic concerns.

Those plans detailed a £20million investment which would create around 700 jobs.

Any such developments would lead to hopes for an anchor store of the stature of Debenhams, Next or Primark.

The ground and first floors of the 25-metre-high structure would contain shops while the upper levels would be given over to parking.

In supporting documents to the application, the Manchester-based developer states it wishes to create ‘a contemporary market town where people can enjoy a wealth of stores and attractions to rival neighbouring cities and shopping centres’.

The report adds: “The proposal should strengthen the position of Chorley as a retail destination enabling it to compete with nearby towns and cities such as Preston, Bolton and Blackburn.”

Andy Kay, deputy leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said the scale of the Chorley development was in no way comparable with that of the Tithebarn project in Preston, which the authority, along with Blackpool Council and MP Jack Straw, say will be detrimental to surrounding areas.

Coun Kay, said: “We will have no objection at all to these types of improvements.

“The vibrancy of surrounding towns is paramount for Lancashire’s future.”