EXCITING new plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Blackpool's Hounds Hill shopping centre went on display this week.

The centre's owners, Academy Land, have applied for planning permission for a 200,000sq ft expansion of the centre, including a new Debenham's department store.

And an exhibition, featuring the new plans, has been set up at the former T Mobile unit within the centre, featuring details on the £30 million scheme.

As well as the new department store -- the first to open in Blackpool in 20 years -- the new look Hounds Hill will also feature 11 new 'flagship' retail units, with a further seven existing units expanded.

The current mall will be refurbished, while the present multi-=storey car park will be extended to provide a modern parking area.

Debenhams alone will create an estimated 300 new jobs.

The developers hope the extension -- due to be completed by 2007 -- will boost Blackpool's status as a shopping centre.

The resort is currently ranked 92 as a regional shopping destination -- lagging 55 places behind neighbouring, Preston, according to the Management Horizons Europe UK Shopping Index.

Blackpool town centre manager, Nigel Hanson, said: "This is excellent news for the town centre. The proposals are impressive and will be an obvious catalyst for the much-needed retail revival -- we see this as an important step towards re-establishing Blackpool as a highly sought after retail destination."

Academy Land has also carried out market research using focus groups who backed the plan for more attractive, fashion based shopping opportunities and complained that shopping at present is too visitor and tourist orientated.