A NEW vision for Tamworth to create "one town, perfectly placed" is due to be discussed by councillors tonight (Thursday).

The plan setting out the borough's future will go before the full council later today.

As part of the town-wide Core Strategy, a number of options outlining the type of place Tamworth should become by 2028 have been identified.

A key focus is to transform the town centre into a new retail and culture hub, with increased leisure and tourism opportunities, complementing the already thriving Ventura Park.

The plan – which also covers a wide range of topics including future employment, green space, enhancing historic buildings, sustainable development, environmental enhancements and improved links – is a result of in-depth consultation with residents, developers and other organisations.

"If council approves the report, the document will be publicly available at the end of February for six weeks, before being formally submitted to the Government," said a spokesperson for the authority.

"It will be available at Marmion House, Tamworth Library, Wilnecote Library and Glascote Library.

"It will also be published on the council's website.

"The new plan is made up of 12 objectives and covers four over-arching chapters; a prosperous borough, stronger neighbourhoods, a better connected borough and improved environmental quality.

"It will also show how these can be achieved.

"It is likely to be formally adopted in February 2013."

The Core Strategy is part of the Local Development Framework which delivers the planning strategy for an area.

It will replace the Tamworth Local Plan, which set out land allocation and policies, including:

Retaining high quality open space to deliver the character of the borough

Protecting historic assets

Supporting town centre investment

Protecting economic growth

Improving links and environmental improvements between the town centre and Ventura/Jolly Sailor retail parks

The creation of 5,500 new homes (4,500 within Tamworth and 1,000 potentially accommodated elsewhere

The creation of 36 hectares of employment land

And the creation of 20,000 sqm of office floor space