PLANS to transform part of Dorchester town centre are set to move a step closer.

Redeveloping the Charles Street area has been discussed on and off for more than 30 years.

West Dorset District Council is preparing to ask potential developers to come forward with ideas for the site, currently occupied by a large car park.

The authority is seeking proposals for the major project over the next few months before deciding on a preferred partner to work with on the scheme.

The chosen developer would then be invited to lease the land while a planning application is submitted.

A long-term lease for the Charles Street area would be negotiated once permission was granted.

West Dorset says it is too early to outline what the proposed development would entail.

But a major shopping giant is believed to have expressed an initial interest in opening a new store on the Charles Street site.

West Dorset planning director David Evans said: "The district council is determined to achieve a successful development which meets the needs of the whole community on this important site.

"The council is embarking on a new approach which will involve choosing a preferred developer which will work with local people to come up with a satisfactory scheme. There would be a planning application, providing further opportunity for local people to comment on the scheme.

"The district council is currently appointing solicitors to give specialist legal advice on the project and hopes to invite developers interested in the site to come forward this summer."

West Dorset's announcement comes after major commercial property consultants Donaldsons announced plans for 34 million square feet of new shopping centres around the country.

Nearly all these new retail centres are proposed for town and city centres, the firm says, with a number in the south.

Donaldsons said large anchor stores such as John Lewis, Debenhams and House of Fraser are planning to expand in the coming months.

The district council has made three attempts to revamp Charles Street since 1973.

The most recent scheme was abandoned in 2000 after the proposals became unviable.