THIS is how Congleton could look if new plans are given the go-ahead.

A planning application has been submitted by Scarborough Development Group (SDG), which bought the three-acre town centre site from Modus Congleton (Number One).

Modus Congleton collapsed into administration last year after being hit by the credit crunch, putting the multi-million pound plans at risk.

Now SDG wants to start work by early next year on a project that would include a new 5,400 square metre (58,200 sq ft) supermarket and six other new shops between Mill Street and Princess Street.

The scheme would also involve replacing the market square with a new multi-purpose area.

Directors at Leeds-based SDG believe the proposals will create significant numbers of construction and retail jobs if they are approved at a planning meeting next month.

SDG managing director Mark Jackson said: "There is nothing signed up yet with specific supermarkets, but we are talking.

"People always need to eat, so that sector has held up pretty well in the downturn.

"There will be a temporary relocation of the market until it moves back into a new and improved area.

"I like the look of the scheme and I think it's good news for Congleton if it gets approval.

"We are a new and energetic company backed by great experience and we are delighted to be one of the first companies to make a significant commitment to stepping back into development."

If the project wins approval from Cheshire East council and goes ahead, supporters say it will transform the area in and around the Bridestones shopping centre.

Gordon Baxendale, Congleton Town West councillor at East Cheshire, said: "As far as I'm concerned, if it was built tomorrow it wouldn't be soon enough.

"The car parking in the town has now been sorted out and you can find a space, so now all we need is the shops."

Damian Flood, who previously worked for Modus, has been taken on by SDG as consultant project manager for the scheme.

He said: "We see the development as being important to the people of Congleton and are very keen to achieve something of which they can be proud."