STOURBRIDGE’S new MP has praised multi-million pound plans by supermarket giant Tesco to redevelop the ailing Crown Centre.

Proposals by the retail giant for a mammoth revamp of the centre went on display last week - and a planning application looks set to be submitted by the end of June.

Tesco representatives say more than 200 shoppers, traders and residents stopped off at their two-day exhibition at Stourbridge Library to view the plans - which received “very positive” feedback.

Among those welcoming the scheme - was newly-elected Conservative MP Margot James.

She said: “Visually the plans are very attractive, I think the modern style proposed by Tesco will contrast well with the traditional architectural style of the nearby buildings and we have waited a long time for the regeneration of the Crown Centre and Bell Street Car park so it is not before time.”

Under the latest plans for the shabby site - the old Bell Street car park would be flattened to make way for a large Tesco store with mezzanine floor and underground parking for 550 cars.

The scheme also includes new retail units; however original ideas to incorporate a market have been shelved, as has the plan to slot a hotel into the mix.

Tesco bosses, who have taken over from Modus Properties to push the project forward, say they aim to transform the old red-brick centre into something more in-keeping with its surroundings. They also hope the scheme will bring around 400 new jobs to the town.

Regeneration boss - councillor Les Jones says the supermarket is needed to “revitalise the town centre”.

And his predecessor - Stourbridge councillor Malcolm Knowles - says the latest plan to reinvigorate the town “is by far the best we have had”.

Trader Chris Garner, who runs The French Connection bistro, was “cautiously optimistic” about the new scheme - which looks set to incorporate a cafe fronting a new public square.

He added: “It does look as if it will integrate with the town - and I’m not concerned about them having another cafe in the centre.”

But Alun Nicholas, an architect and independent candidate for Stourbridge in the recent general election, has slammed the aesthetics and potential impact on traffic the scheme might have - saying designers should look at the critically-acclaimed Tesco store in Ludlow for inspiration.

He said: “I fully support the principle of investment in the town centre, but quite simply - Tesco must try harder.”

Supermarket bosses say they will take on board comments made by those visiting their exhibition to tweak their application before submitting it to council planners.

Spokesman Mark Harrison said he hopes a decision could be made by the autumn.

He added: “If it gets the go-ahead we’d be looking to start on site this time next year, and ready to open prior to the 2012 Olympics.”