By Hayley Robinson

More than 1,400 full-time jobs could be created in Sittingbourne if Tesco gets the go-ahead for its ambitious plans.

Proposals include a Tesco Extra hypermarket and 11 new retail stores on the land north of the railway, as well as an extension to the Forum shopping centre and improvements to its current entrance.

A new hotel, cinema, restaurants and cafes would form part of a new public square.

There would also be the potential for new council offices, new homes north and south of the railway, and a new multi-storey car park.

An application for the footbridge is expected to be discussed by Swale council’s planning committee when it meets at Swale House, in East Street, Sittingbourne, on May 26.

Two other applications relating to plans for St Michael’s Road and the High Street, as well as land at Milton Creek, are not expected to go before the committee until various transportation issues have been addressed.

An artist’s impression of the plans, which have been drawn up by Spenhill – the regeneration arm of Tesco – is currently on display at the Forum shopping centre in Sittingbourne High Street.

Spenhill spokesman Jonathan Simpson said: "Currently, 75 per cent of Sittingbourne’s money is spent outside of the town.

"We want to increase the town centre’s ‘critical mass’ and attract people there to do their shopping, which will benefit local businesses.

"We have been speaking to local residents and businesses about our proposals and have received many expressions of support.

"We are making major investment in Sittingbourne.

"The Tesco Metro [the former Somerfield store at The Forum shopping centre] was the first stage and we want these plans to be the next phase."

To view the plans, visit www.spenhillsittingbourne.co.uk