MULTI-million-pound plans to redevelop an eyesore site in the heart of Bingley have officially been unveiled.

Lidl plans to build a state-of-the art store on the site of the former Bradford & Bingley headquarters, which it says will create 40 jobs.

News that development is to start soon has been welcomed, but the town council has raised concerns about the design, including how the store will link with Myrtle Park.

As well as the store there will be parking for 127 cars, an upgrade of the Main Street/Myrtle Place junction and a new pedestrian link to the site from Main Street.

The German chain announced it had bought the site earlier this year, after Sainsbury’s long-gestating plans to build a supermarket on the site collapsed. Sainsbury’s bought the site in 2010, but the building remained empty and work never started. It was put on the market in 2015 and demolition work began the same year.

Lidl has released an artist’s impression of the 2,470 sq m store, and announced that Lichfields, a planning and development consultancy, will take forward the proposal, which was first shown to the public at an exhibition last Tuesday.

Jonathan Wallace, senior director at Lichfields, said: “A state-of-the-art, new Lidl store, which would provide a spacious and attractive shopping environment for the residents of Bingley, will bring the site back into active use increasing the vitality and viability of the town centre.”

The proposed new store has been designed by architects Smalley Marsey Rispin, and a planning application is expected to be submitted to Bradford Council shortly.

Councillor Ros Dawson, chairman of Bingley Town Council, said: “We will be discussing them at our meeting on May 23 and the Town Council will work to get the best outcome it can for Bingley.

“Like many residents, I welcome investment in Bingley and the possibility of transforming a prominent, derelict site that has blighted our town for so long.

“However, I have concerns about the proposed store’s design and there are also questions about materials, landscaping and safe access to Myrtle Park and Bingley Swimming Pool which are very well used by the community every day and for special events.

“Lidl told us that its plans are a ‘work in progress’. I trust the company will take all feedback on board to create a high-quality development on a central site next to our conservation area.”