The centre of Crawley is in line for a multi-million-pound makeover which could transform it into a magnet for shoppers.

A team of consultants has been appointed to decide how best to revamp the Boulevard area.

Town leaders are concerned the centre is losing trade to neighbouring towns because of its dowdy image.

The team will look at the possibility of introducing a major new department store, apartments, restaurants and offices.

They will also look at improved public transport, cycle and pedestrian networks as well as provision for shoppers arriving by car.

Councillor Doug Murdoch, executive member for planning and economic development at Crawley Borough Council, said today: "Crawley's town centre is vibrant and thriving and this is an opportunity to ensure its success continues.

"It is essential any new development builds on the strengths of the existing town centre, links well with it and benefits Crawley as a whole."

The council is working with the government regeneration agency English Partnerships.

Coun Doug Murdoch said it wants to see significant environmental improvements, particularly round the Boulevard, with high quality buildings.

He added they would be handling the proposals sensitively so the residential areas to the north of the site are not affected.

Steve Oaks, assistant director for English Partnership, said: "We have identified this as a major strategic site for redevelopment.

"It provides the ideal opportunity to deliver a quality regeneration scheme."

Andrew Skudder, chairman of the development control committee with the council, said: "The area has very dull offices and one multi-storey car park which seems a bit of a waste of space."

In the past Crawley had suffered piecemeal development, with a very old high street, a Sixties shopping centre and a Nineties shopping mall.

He said: "The town needs to expand its services so shoppers don't go to Guildford instead."

Coun Chris Mullins said: "I would interested to see what plans come forward. It is too early to say what will happen but we have to look to the future."