STALLED plans for a supermarket in Stourbridge have been given a kick-start from retail giant Tesco.

Following a series of failed attempts by Modus Properties to begin upgrade work on the Crown Centre, the supermarket chain has taken over as the leading partner in the plan for a multi-million pound redevelopment of the shabby site off Crown Lane.

Tesco say they stepped in after financial difficulties hit Modus during the recession and the long-awaited revamp failed to happen.

Tony Fletcher, Tesco corporate affairs manager, said: “We have been involved with the Crown Centre redevelopment for a considerable time and decided to take a lead in delivering the project when it became clear that the previous developer was not able to proceed with the planning permission that had been granted last year.

“Since then, Tesco has worked very closely with officers at Dudley Council to bring forward a scheme that we think will revitalise the Crown Centre for the benefit of local people and the town’s economy.”

The proposals include a new foodstore, retail units, offices and the provision of 550 parking spaces to replace the run-down Bell Street multi-storey car park, which would be demolished.

Tesco say the scheme will bring around 400 new jobs to Stourbridge and a new planning application is expected to be made to Dudley Council during the summer after a public consultation.

Dudley Council deputy leader Les Jones said: “We need a major supermarket in Stourbridge to revitalise the town centre, I know they have been working with the planning authority for some time so everything looks positive.”

Members of the public will be able to take a look at the proposals at an exhibition in Stourbridge Library, in the Crown Centre, between noon and 7pm on Tuesday May 25 and Wednesday May 26.

Tesco representatives will be on hand at the exhibition to discuss the plans and answer questions.