DEVELOPERS should find out this month whether their £25m bid to transform the old Tesco store in Trowbridge is to be given the go-ahead.

The new centre planned for St Stephen's Place, which would include shops, a gym, a bar and public space next to the River Biss, will create up to 100 permanent jobs as well as 150 temporary demolition and construction jobs while the project is under way.

Simon Hoare, spokesman for Thiyan Investments, the owners of the former Tesco site, said: "It's been vacant now for some time and it's looking ever more shabby."

A planning application was submitted in July after the developers held lengthy consultations with West Wiltshire District Council. A decision is expected this month when the plan goes before the district council's planning committee.

Trowbridge Town Council has already given the project their backing.

Thiyan Investments held a two-day exhibition in Castle Place on Friday and Saturday, when about 1,100 people turned up to see the plans. The firm has now submitted 968 signatures in favour of the project to West Wiltshire District Council.

Mr Hoare said efforts to re-let the former Tesco building had failed and developers came to the conclusion demolishing the old store was the only option. The £25m centre will contain three High Street shops, a leisure centre, which would move from its current location in the Castle Place precinct, and two restaurant, bar or caf facilities.

Car parking would be provided in 171 overground and underground spaces.

Mr Hoare said: "We think moving the leisure centre will make it safer. It would be brought down onto ground level."

The area which used to be the service yard for Tesco would be transformed into a riverside arena, resembling an amphitheatre. It would feature public space with seating looking out onto the River Biss.

Mr Hoare said: "Too many of our towns turn their backs on their waterways but they are an asset that should be made the most of."

After the public consultation, Mr Hoare said: "We were delighted by the response and we were very encouraged by comments that this was exactly the sort of development Trowbridge needs to see."

As well as developing the former Tesco site there are plans to refurbish the Castle Place precinct, with better lighting, CCTV cameras, and improved disabled facilities. The seven-month project is expected to start early next year, with the centre staying open while work is carried out.

Developers are hoping to complete the entire multi-million-pound project by autumn 2006.

Tesco sold the site to developer Allied London in 2000. It was sold to Thiyan Investments 18 months ago.