A five-year plan to breathe new life into Shoreham town centre has been drawn up.

It will create a thriving new heart for the historic town ahead of plans to turn its harbour into a leading centre for business and leisure.

Moves are already under way to build homes and a town square on the derelict Ropetackle site and a draft management strategy to improve High Street and other parts of central Shoreham until 2006 is expected to be approved by the council's executive policy board on Tuesday.

Parts of Shoreham date back to the 11th century and the report suggests stepping back into history to re-introduce regular farmers' markets, a French market and an antiques market.

European funds could pay for stalls, awnings, lighting and the installation of electricity points.

From 2003, owners of vacant shops will be encouraged to allow them to be used for exhibitions or displays to prevent an image of blight or decay building up.

Improvements to Coronation Green, including a performance space, seating and planting, are planned and replacing or improving the footbridge over the River Adur linking the town centre with Shoreham Beach is being considered for 2005.