COMPANIES are queueing up to kick-start one of Herefordshire's biggest-ever development projects, writes BILL TANNER.

Parties pitching plans for an area around and including Hereford's Edgar Street football ground will have their say this summer.

A December deadline has been set for a brief that combines commercial and recreational interests with space for a multiplex cinema, sports administration centre, hotel, offices and shops.

The football ground, home to Hereford United, and adjoining cattle market stay put to undergo complete revamps.

Development of the 'Edgar Street grid' is a Herefordshire Council commitment.

Council leader Terry James said several companies had been in touch offering ideas and the authority had an obligation to examine them all. Summer talks involving interested parties are being arranged this week.

Councillor James wants the final proposal in place ready for planning and political assessment by the end of the year.

A combination of grants and public/private sector cash will pay for the scheme -- £50 -£100 million coming the county's way from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM).

Details of one of the city's biggest-ever development projects were outlined exclusively in The Hereford Times earlier this year.

Under the plan, Hereford United would benefit from a refurbished or even rebuilt stadium, while leading city sports clubs would have social/administration space and access to a specialist physiotherapy unit.

A multiplex is mooted for Lower Merton Meadow and a hotel/conference centre/offices for Blackfriars Street.

Garrick House would make way for a retail mall, while units at the cattle market could be demolished for replacement by a purpose-built farmers/produce mart.