PROPOSALS to regenerate a Darlington industrial estate could create hundreds of jobs.

A supermarket and petrol station on the Faverdale Industrial Estate would create around 200 full and part-time jobs, according to developers.

The Lateral Property Group hopes to transform the former SCA Packaging site into a supermarket with a car park and petrol station.

The site, which lies close to the entrance of the large industrial estate, would include a supermarket around the size of the Asda store at Whinfield Way, parking for around 300 cars and the petrol station.

The proposals are at a very early stage and a planning application has not yet been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

The developer said it is too early to confirm an occupant for the site, which could attract firms like Waitrose and Tesco, who – aside from a small Tesco Express store in the town centre - are currently without premises in Darlington.

Developers say the brownfield regeneration project will give the North-West area of the town a food store capable of meeting weekly food shopping needs.

The redevelopment plans will be displayed at an exhibition taking place later this week.

Philip Lunn, managing director of Lateral, says: “We are really looking forward to meeting with local people at our exhibition in Faverdale to share our proposals and idea for the regeneration of this part of Darlington.

“Currently the majority of families from north-west Darlington travel across town by car to carry out their main weekly shop at either Morrisons in North Road, Sainsbury’s in Victoria Road or Asda in Whinfield Way.

“This site is in a location that is near to the heart of the north western population and which is highly accessible by bus, by bicycle, on foot and by car.

“A food store here will provide an opportunity for local residents to shop locally and make shorter journeys for their main weekly shop, avoiding the need to make long journeys to reach the existing larger supermarkets elsewhere in Darlington.”

Local residents are invited to a first stage consultation to discuss the development and view the proposals at the White Heifer that Travelled pub, on John Fowler Way, in West Park.

The exhibition will take place on Friday, July 11 between 3pm and 7pm and Saturday, July 12 between 10am and 3pm.

A dedicated website, which will be launched to coincide with the exhibition and provide more information about the project, can be found at darlingtonyoursay.co.uk.