A £25m plan to turn the site of a former journalism training centre into a retail park has been unveiled by developers.

Sheffield College’s Norton campus, which closed its doors for the last time in the summer, would be demolished if the proposals were given the green light.

Developers St James Securities intend that a budget food store – such as the discount chain Aldi – would be the anchor for the development, which would also include a range of retail, leisure and food outlets.

The company plans to submit a planning application in January, with a view to building work starting by the end of 2016. It is hoped that the retail park will be open by Christmas 2017.

An artist’s impression of the plans

It is estimated more than 500 jobs would be created by the development.

Norton was the oldest of Sheffield College’s sites, with some parts dating back to the 1950s.

All courses previously held there moved into a new £8.8m centre at Hillsborough campus in September.

Oliver Quarmby, managing director of St James, said: “We are very excited to be working on this project.

“There is a real need for a development like this, as people living in the area are currently getting in their car and driving across the city for this type of facility.”