CSC submits application for £180m Essex shopping centre

The proposed £180 million plans include improvement to the transport links, a new multi-storey car park and public realm and landscaping improvements.

The planning application submitted to Thurrock Thames Gateway seeks permission to add 325,000 sq ft of additional retail space, which would increase the size of the Lakeside centre by nearly a third and would make it Britain's third biggest shopping centre. The plans are intended to provide space for up to 40 new stores.

The proposed plans also include permission for improved transport infrastructure, which includes a new bus station and the construction of new access roads for cars, pedestrians and bicycles. The application also seeks consent for a new landscaped external street and public square.

CSC has conducted a public consultation on the proposed plans over the last few months. The feedback shows that the "expansion is backed by 88% of those who provided views at a recent public exhibition in the centre and online", CSC said.

“The planned extension enables us to accommodate bigger and better stores for many more retailers. We aim to continually evolve and invest in our centres to ensure we are offering the best experience for our shoppers,” said Jonathan Ainsley, director of asset management at CSC.

Construction of the proposed scheme could begin in 2013, with the extended centre being fully operational by 2016, subject to permission being granted by Thurrock Thames Gateway Council, CSC said.