UP to £9 million of taxpayers’ money could be used to transform a retail park.

Proposals being discussed for Hampden Park Retail Park in Eastbourne include three new units and a major facelift.

Negotiations with retailers for the new units are at an advanced stage and an announcement is expected early next year.

If approved, it is expected that work on the transformation would begin in September 2018 and finish in July 2019.

A planning application is due to be submitted in March.

Eastbourne Borough Council bought the retail park earlier this year as part of its commercial property portfolio to help offset government funding cuts.

The development and refurbishment of the retail park would bring in more revenue for the council, boost the local economy and ensure its long-term future.

The scheme would include the addition of car parking spaces, new signage and shop fascias, landscaping and resurfacing of the car park, as well as creating more pre-let space.

Councillor David Tutt, leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, welcomed the plans.

He said: “By investing in our assets we will ensure the long-term future of the retail park and generate the income that will maintain frontline council services. The improvements would bring a very good return on our investment.”