The proposed extension would be to the centre's 'West Village' and could help create 1,500 new jobs, with a preference going to local people. Lend Lease, which runs the shopping centre, has started talks and will consult on the plans with the public ahead of making a formal planning application.
The planned extension would create extra retail and catering space and the application would be submitted by Lend Lease, on behalf of its owners Lend Lease, PruPIM and Hermes, later this year.
Lend Lease is due to complete the redevelopment of The Wintergarden, Bluewater's family dining village, in October this year. The proposed expansion plans could create the UK's largest shopping centre.
"A key element of Bluewater's success has been its ability to evolve," said Robert Goodman, Bluewater's general manager, according to local reports. "Whilst significant enhancements have been made since opening, we are keen to ensure that guests, in particular the local community, have the very best retail and leisure available."
"It is also important that we continue to work in partnership with the community. We will therefore be consulting with the local community and stakeholders over the next few months. We also remain committed to creating more jobs and training opportunities for local residents."
The developer hopes to make jobs available to local residents through The Learning Shop, the centre’s on-site training and recruitment facility. Since opening 13 years ago, The Learning Shop has created employment for over 30,000 people.
"I welcome these proposals and am confident that Lend Lease and Bluewater will work closely with the community to create something that will not only be commercially successful, but which will bring many more benefits to the Dartford and the wider north Kent community," said Gareth Johnson, Dartford MP, according to the report. "Not least of these will be a very significant number of jobs, training and investment in the local economy."
