AMBITIOUS plans to revamp Crewe's town centre could see a major department store open its doors.

Debenhams, which currently has stores in Chester and Hanley, is believed to be interested in taking a slice of the new-look town centre.

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council planning chiefs say they will know more when developers come forward with detailed plans for the multi-million pound revamp project.

Manchester-based property developer Modus and South African insurance company Corovest teamed up last year to buy the L-shaped block of shops fronting Queensway and Victoria Street, and the Delamere Street bus station.

In a £14m deal with previous owner Prudential, they took over 32 shop units, covering 98,000sq ft of retail space, promising to give the area a fresh, modern look. The project goes hand in hand with the borough's plans to rejuvenate the town centre squares by moving the war memorial from the Market Square to Municipal Square.

The leader of the campaigning Memorial Action Team, Frank Jones, this week welcomed plans for a department store in Crewe.

He said: 'I have heard on the grapevine it will be a Debenhams which is great for Crewe. We welcome any scheme to boost economic growth provided it does not detract from the Market Square and our treasured war memorial.'

Modus is expected to present its plans to the borough council in March.

Chief planning officer Paul Ancell said: 'Modus is keen to anchor its plan by providing a department store in Crewe, but where is not yet known. It is also looking to acquire land within the vicinity of the bus station. All is good news for Crewe.'

He said he was aware an 'interested party' had made an approach but Modus was remaining tight-lipped.

Debenhams confirmed it is looking for new sites - and did not rule out Crewe.

A spokeswoman said: 'We are always investigating new markets both in the UK and internationally. However, nothing has been signed for Crewe yet.'