Capital Shopping Centres has submitted a planning application for a £180m extension to its Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock, Essex.
The investment will include the addition of 325,000 sq ft of shops at the northern end of the centre, increasing the size of Lakeside by almost one-third.
This will incorporate up to 40 stores alongside the recently opened Topshop/Topman flagship, which opened last month, and the Forever 21 store, which will open at the end of next year.
The works will also include an improved transport infrastructure, comprising a new bus station and a link road.
If the plans receive planning consent, construction could begin on site in 2013, with the full scheme fully open in 2016.
Jonathan Ainsley, director of asset management (south) at CSC, said: “Lakeside, which celebrated its 21st anniversary this year, continues to be high on retailers’ wishlists, as evidenced by the recent Arcadia and Forever 21 deals. The planned extension enables us to accommodate bigger and better stores for many more retailers, too.”
annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
