PLANS have been unveiled for a new multi-million pound retail park which could create 150 jobs in Darlington.

Yorkshire-based property developers Opus North have revealed proposals for the £9m project, which would be built on land on Albert Road, next to its junction with North Road and Whessoe Road.

If approved, the park could be open by spring 2016 and would include a discount food shop, a frozen food shop, three other non-food retail units, a drive-thru restaurant and two more units ideal for cafes or sandwich shops.

There will also be free parking spaces.

Residents are being encouraged to have their say on the plans during a public consultation and, once completed, a planning application will be submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

A spokesman for Opus North said: “We’re excited to talk to residents about our plans for a new shopping destination that will improve the retail offer in north Darlington and deliver 150 new jobs.

“The retail park will bring a range of retailers not currently located in this part of town, improving choice and convenience for local shoppers.

“Public consultation allows the team to gain feedback on the plans before they are submitted to the council.

“We will be grateful to know what local residents and businesses think of our proposals.”

The plans will go on show at an exhibition at Northland Methodist Church, in North Road, from 3pm to 7pm on March 26 where members of the project team will also be on hand to discuss the proposals and to answer any questions.

People can also take part in the consultation by emailing info@signetplanning.com.

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said:  "We can confirm we have spoken about this exciting opportunity with Opus North, however, we have not received a planning application to date.  Should one be submitted we will happy to consider it."

The plans come after the multi-million pound Feethams Leisure project was given the go-ahead in December last year.

The project will transform the town’s former bus depot site into a nine-screen multiplex Vue cinema, 80-bedroom Premier Inn hotel, and a number of bars and restaurants, including Nandos and Prezzo.

Work is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the complex opening in autumn 2015.