PLANS to revamp Plymstock's popular Broadway shopping centre have taken another step forward.

Almost 1,400 residents attended public exhibitions held in December and voted unanimously that the area's main 'hub' should receive a makeover.

Nethermost Estates Limited, the new owners of the centre, now hope to "make the regeneration a reality" and are seeking the backing of the local council.

A spokesman for the Broadway Shopping Centre said: "We were delighted at the overwhelming support for our proposed refurbishment of the centre.

"Attendees at our exhibition highlighted to us that the refurbishment of the centre is long overdue and extremely important for the future of the town and the businesses in the centre.

"The centre is well-used by the local people and a hub for the town's community.

"With the strong backing of the local community and all the financing in place, we now need to ensure that the council helps us to move forward and make the regeneration a reality.

"The council's backing is the last piece of the puzzle, and will unlock this exciting opportunity for Plymstock – we are hopeful that the necessary decisions can now be made to allow us to take this essential project to the next stage."

The proposals, which were on public display until the end of December, include better public spaces on the mall, improving the layout of the car park, extending the free parking, introducing a new entrance, refurbishing the exteriors of the flats above the shops and improving the seating and planting.

A Plymouth City Council spokesman said: "We have yet to receive a planning application for the proposed renovation.

"It is good to see an organisation consulting with the local community about their plans before submitting them - this gives an opportunity to gauge local appetite and support for what is being proposed. This can often result in a much smoother planning process."