PLANS for a new piazza-type basin development, including restaurants, cafes and a pedestrian area, bringing jobs and tourists into Stourport have been unveiled by council officers.

The Bridge Street Basins Link project could transform the town's Clock Basin and New Basin area, near Bridge Street, with both commercial and residential developments being discussed.

Regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands - AWM - has already pledged £500,000, from its market towns investment fund, for the scheme, with further cash set to come from Wyre Forest District Council, British Waterways and English Heritage.

The project is at an early stage, with the backers looking for a construction firm to develop the site, which would link Bridge Street to the basin with a pedestrian walkway and cafes and bars either side of the piazza.

Mike Parker, district council head of planning, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to work with our partners to bring about real benefits to this part of Stourport.

"The development will add vibrancy and economic benefits to the town and complement other investment already underway.

"If we can get this through and bring some good quality food and drink establishments and some residential space as part of it, so much the better."

He added the need for a pedestrian link between the basins and Bridge Street was identified by British Waterways and English Heritage as a way of encouraging tourists into the town's upper basin area.

The district council adopted plans to develop a strip of premises at the site, from Lloyd's Garage up to Penny Wise gift shop, in 2005.