Shopping centre managers have received a barrage of calls from customers amid fears their multi-million plans will radically change the face of their town.

The directors at the Enterprise Shopping Centre in Eastbourne have moved to allay concerns the centre is under threat from the proposals.

It follows the announcement by Eastbourne Borough Council last month of plans designed to alter the commercial heart of Eastbourne.

Director John Edgerton said: "The problem has arisen because the Enterprise Shopping Centre is a very prominent and recognisable building and it can easily be seen on the outline plans.

"Since the proposal was announced we have received numerous comments from customers who are concerned the centre might have to close.

"So we would like to reassure them that it's very much business as usual both now and in the future."

Directors of the indoor shopping centre, housed inside a Victorian railway building next to the railway station, have welcomed the outline proposals.

They said it will give the area a much-needed boost and bring huge improvements for businesses, shoppers and visitors.

Senior borough council officers have said the proposals could create hundreds of new jobs and new housing and leisure facilities.

A retail complex twice the size of the existing Arndale Centre could be built under the project, bringing huge investment.

The plans also look at boosting transport infrastructure, offering a gateway to the town centre that integrates the rail network with people arriving by road.

In addition, there are plans for housing, 30 per cent of which will be low cost for key workers such as nurses and teachers.

An extended public consultation period currently under way will end on January 7.