THE first detailed images of the £75 million regeneration project in Lowesmoor have been released.

Worcester City Council has issued artists' sketches of the shopping complex which is set to change the face of the area.

The plans have been greeted with excitement and enthusiasm by local businesses.

People who make a living in Lowesmoor said they were hopeful the development, based around a new Asda, would breathe new life into the run-down area.

As the Worcester News reported on Saturday, 13 shops, 10 apartments, office space, a restaurant, a 535-capacity car park and an Asda store have all been given the go-ahead.

The huge development, which is spearheaded by Carilion Richardson Partnership, will create 1,000 new jobs when it opens in 2009.

Linda Lewis, who runs Braemar Frames Lowesmoor, said: "We're really looking forward it. I have had a look at the plans and think it will breathe new life into the area.

"It will give people the incentive to cross City Walls Road, because that has always been seen as a barrier to where we are.

"Hopefully people will see this area as being important. We've been here more than 25 years and noticed quite a few businesses have left the area recently, so I think it is excellent news." Nazaqat Ali, aged 19, who runs Fresh Fruit Groceries, Lowesmoor, said: "We rely on passing trade because people don't tend to stop here to shop.

"Cars have difficulty parking, so the new car park will help a lot.

The new Asda is bound to bring in more people, so I'm hoping we will get some more regulars."

However some firms are worried the regeneration could force them out.

Jerry Davies, 44, owner of Auto Start Ltd, Lowesmoor trading estate, said: "I realise it needs doing, but we're wondering what the future holds for us.

"We haven't been told to move for this development, but are still wondering what might happen to us."

Rupert McLean, who runs Once Upon A Party, Lowesmoor, said: "It is fantastic news overall but my only concern is traffic." The project will cause minimal disruption to existing businesses on Lowesmoor, because almost all the buildings due to be demolished for it are empty.

On the Lowesmoor trading estate, 19 empty buildings are coming down to make room for the development.

The only business having to relocate is Watertech System, based in the old vinegar house, where one worker said: "It comes as no surprise to us because we've known about it for a long time."

Under the plans, the Territorial Army will move from its present Silver Street base to the historic vinegar works, while a series of historic buildings such as 18-20 Silver Street will be retained and converted into shops.

The plans were approved by the city council planning committee last week.