A regeneration company hoping to take over the site of a former brewery on Wearside has been trying to ensure it stays a step ahead of a planning rival.

The Sunderland Arc regeneration company wants to create a �280m homes, leisure, and business complex on the former Vaux brewery site in the city centre.

But supermarket giant Tesco owns the Vaux site, and wants to put a �50m superstore there as part of a mixed development.

Now Sunderland Arc is actively trying to find an alternative site for Tesco to build its supermarket.

'Public consultation'

Tom Macartney, the chief executive of the Sunderland Arc, said: "We have identified two possible sites for them in Sunderland and are in discussions now with them.

"We are confident that our scheme will be the one that goes ahead, and that we will get the site."

The Tesco plan is achievable in two years, and the Arc scheme could take 10.

Regeneration plan

Former Vaux boss Frank Nicholson has given his support to the Tesco superstore plan, which he calls "bold and imaginative".

The superstore idea, announced in September and now submitted for planning approval, features a 80,000 sq ft hypermarket, a 20,000 sq ft car park, and associated apartments and offices.

But city councillors and agencies, including One NorthEast and English Partnerships, want to see the Arc scheme go-ahead.

They see the plan as one to rival the regeneration efforts in nearby Newcastle and Gateshead.