A big-name retailer such as Tesco would be needed to support any plans to revitalise a rundown shopping area, it has been claimed.

Brighton and Hove City Council recently unveiled its vision to regenerate London Road, which would transform the area into a Parisian-style tree-lined boulevard, complete with new green spaces and a public square.

Other planned changes include improved pedestrian and cycle routes to Brighton Station and opening up side streets, such as Providence Place and Elder Place, with tables and chairs to create more of a “café culture”.

The council’s plan would be used by developers to put forward their own regeneration ideas.

So far only St James’ Investments (SJI), which has bought up a large amount of property in the area, has put forward any serious proposals.

SJI has a history of working alongside Tesco and London Road traders fear their plans would only be feasible if the grocery giant is allowed to build a superstore.

There are already four supermarkets in the area and many shop owners fear another would put them out of business.

But Tony Mernagh, of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership, believes only companies like Tesco have deep enough pockets to fund the redevelopment.

He said: “Most major regeneration schemes need an enabling development of some kind to generate the huge sums of money needed not just for construction but also infrastructure.

In these times of recession supermarkets are one of the few businesses with surplus cash but they bring with them the problems of traffic management and the effect on small businesses and public sentiment.”

Christina Summers, of campaign group Another London Road, said: “Tesco has a reputation of being quite mercenary when it wants to build something.

“It does not take into account the needs of the community.”

Ms Summers would rather see more affordable, incremental changes made to improve the area so that shoppers can be attracted from the nearby North Laine.

Graham Maides, owner of M&B Meats in London Road, would like to see the Open Market updated and a free car park built.

He said: “London Road needs cleaning up but I don’t think we need another supermarket.

“Tesco would sell the same things as everyone else does down here. It is hard enough to compete as it is.”

Mr Maides is not against a big chain moving in and believes a high street name such as John Lewis or Primark would encourage more shoppers into the area.

He said: “People need an incentive to come down here.”

Ed Bagshaw, owner of Kodak Express in London Road, said: “Tesco would be good because it would bring more shoppers to the area but these big stores can sell things cheaper.

“That puts a small businessman like me in more trouble than he is already.”

Not every London Road trader is against the idea of Tesco opening up.

Stuart Gover, of Grandad’s Bikes in the Open Market, said: “Anything that brings employment should be welcomed.” Traders should not be worried about the competition from Tesco, Mr Gover added, because a price war could make the area very attractive for shoppers.

Sarah Blaber, of Xtreme hair salon, said: “It should not be just another supermarket. A department store as well would be good.”

The plan will go out for a six-week consultation on May 26. Copies can be viewed at city libraries and at www.brightonhove.gov. uk. An exhibition will be held at the former Co-op store from June 4 to 6.