Plans to double the size of Brent Cross Shopping Centre in a £1.4billion makeover have been revealed by its owners today.
Under the proposals by Hammerson and Standard Life Investments a new cinema and hotel will be incorporated within the shopping centre which will also boast more than 200 retailers.
The upper floor of the centre will host 40 new restaurants with the addition of a market level containing food stalls and producers.
The new centre will keep its current two anchor stores John Lewis and Fenwicks with M&S added as a third.
However it will no longer offer all day free parking to shoppers.
The scheme is part of a larger £4.5billion regeneration plan for Brent Cross and Cricklewood which was given the green light six years ago.
The ‘Brent Cross South’ project will create thousands of new homes and jobs and a high street with local shops and restaurants.
It will also see the birth of a new Thameslink train station in Cricklewood, more cycle routes, new parks, squares and community facilities.
A new pedestrian bridge will be built that spans from Brent Cross South to the shopping centre.
Critics of the scheme claim it will lead to an increase in traffic in surrounding areas such as Neasden and Dollis Hill and cyclists have claimed the new cycling routes will create a dangerous “spaghetti junction”.
James Stevens, head of UK development at Standard Life Investments, commented: “Our plans for Brent Cross London are exciting and ambitious.
“We really welcome feedback as this is a major investment and we want to make the most of the opportunity to enhance one of London’s best-loved shopping destinations.”
Cllr Richard Cornelius, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “Brent Cross London forms a vital part of our regeneration scheme which will see this part of London become a thriving new neighbourhood.
“The scheme already has outline planning consent and I am confident that the new shopping centre, along with the new station and the development to the south of the A406, will breathe new life into this area as well as creating thousands of new jobs.”
Hammerson and Standard Life Investments are holding a series of public consultations into their plans before submitting the proposals to Barnet Council for planning permission.
They take place at Brent Cross Shopping Centre (centre court) on November 3 and 4 from 10am to 8pm, November 5 from 9am to 8pm and November 6 from noon to 6pm.
At Hendon Leisure Centre (Studio 2) in Marble Drive, Hendon, on November 7 from 11am to 6pm and November 8 from 2pm to 7pm.
For more information visit brentcrosslondon.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here