Liverpool's Edge Lane Central area is set to undergo a major £200m transformation under new plans drawn up by landowner Derwent Holdings, Liverpool City Council (LCC) and Liverpool Vision.

A development framework for the 28-hectare (69.2-acre) site, which includes plans for a 600,000sq ft (55,742sq m) leisure and retail space, will be put to LCC's executive board on 15 January for approval. The Edge Lane Retail Park, the former Ian Skelly Car Showroom site and Rathbone Road Recreation Ground are among the sites incorporated in the proposals, which include a new community park at the Robinson Willey site.

Local businesses, residents and community groups will be consulted on the plans once the development framework is approved by LCC, which will also see improved pedestrian links as part of a phased programme of work. LCC leader Warren Bradley said: "What we are looking at is a comprehensive redevelopment and now we can embark on a new future - and not just for people passing through the area. We will have a much improved retail offer which will act as a catalyst for regeneration in this area, much as the New Mersey Retail Park has done to that part of the city.

"And there will be much improved leisure facilities and green spaces for the benefit of the local community. These are really exciting proposals which will herald a brighter future for this area, which has been blighted for too long, and for the city in general." Jim Gill, chief executive of Liverpool Vision, added: "The Edge Lane corridor is a key priority for Liverpool Vision and we can now move ahead with an exciting and comprehensive vision for the whole area.

"There will be immediate environmental improvements that will complement the successful regeneration work along the rest of the Edge Lane corridor that has been completed."