Please note, this is an archived story. Please check the date above.

Draft designs for the scheme were unveiled late last week and a copy of the blueprint has been given exclusively to northmanchester.net before consultation starts with residents in the area.

The development centres around the existing Asda superstore and Kwiksave and will involve relocating the open-air market to the side of Asda and building new shops on the vacated site.

Additional two-storey retail units are also proposed to join on to existing shops and part of the existing car parking area has been earmarked for the new baths and sports centre.

There are also improvement plans for Moston Lane which will be re-branded as Moston high Street and developments in Monsall which planners see as an integral part of the area's economic regeneration.

The proposals had been presented to the North Manchester Regeneration board but not been made public on Saturday when demonstrators marched against plans to close the run-down, Victorian Harpurhey baths.

Lightbowne councillor Bill Risby welcomed the plans but stressed the funding still had to be found and consultation was still to be undertaken.

He said: "These are very firm proposals of intention for the development of the centre but that's not to say the money's all in place and everything on the plan won't necessarily be in identical positions.

"There seems to be a misunderstanding about the closure of Harpurhey baths. I don't think anyone in their right mind would want to keep the baths in their current state if we can have a modern swimming baths.

"There's no proposal to close the baths until the new one's in place, otherwise the baths would close over my dead body. I've been swimming there since I was a boy but I'm not sentimental. I'll be delighted to see a modern replacement. I think we've got something to look forward to."

A map of the planned development can be viewed here (large image).