THE eagerly-awaited regeneration of Phelps Parade in Calne is set to start in June 2008.

North Wilts District Council have confirmed a four-stage development of the town centre, including a large Woolworths store.

On Thursday councillors approved the plan for the final step towards regenerating the town centre.

The first stage of development, designed and funded by Westlea Housing and North Wilts District Council, will be rebuilding the area where Kwik Save used to be.

Woolworths has confirmed it will be moving into the new building with Westlea building 16 one- and two-bedroom flats above the store.

Principal regeneration officer Jack Konynenburg old councillors in Calne on Tuesday: "Phelps Parade is an unattractive shopping parade, particularly at the end.

"This is why it is particularly important this area is redeveloped. We have designed the development to have a contemporary feel."

Developers want to remove the canopies above the shops in the parade to create a more attractive area.

The third stage of the redevelopment, on privately owned land behind Lloyds bank in the town centre, will be mainly residential.

Developers also plan to create a new open space for town events between Phelps Parade and Trotman and Sons that will mean building on the ancient Zion Chapel burial ground.

The council will begin public consultation in November by sending out leaflets explaining how the scheme will affect the community.

A Woolworths spokesman from said: "We can confirm that we will, subject to contract agreements, be opening a new store in Phelps Parade in 2009.''