The shopping centre project will transform a 1.7 hectare site in the town city centre encompassing the former BHS and Co-op building,  and the Albion Street car park.

Outline planning was secured in April for the new shopping, leisure and housing development complete with a new multi-storey car park.

The site has also been identified as a potential home for a newly-built ice arena, meaning the current site on Kingston Street may be redeveloped into prime city centre housing, producing a significant capital receipt for further redevelopment.

Tenders will be expected to use modern methods of construction and to support the Council in meeting its target of being a carbon-neutral organisation by 2030.

Under the council’s procurement plan separate developers are expected to take responsibility for delivering the retail, leisure and housing elements of the scheme.

An OJEU notice will be published early next week.

Councillor Daren Hale, portfolio holder for economic investment and regeneration, said: “The Albion Square development is a key site in the council’s long-term strategy for the city centre.

“The council has pushed, and continues to push, for investment and change in the city centre that can benefit our high streets and responds to the changing demands on city centres.”