The proposed redevelopment would include the demolition of the existing Riverside Centre and the construction of a 225,000 square feet scheme that would be integrated with the Darwin and Pride Hall shopping centres, according to the planning application submitted to Shropshire Council.
The proposed plans aim to provide stronger links to the town centre, with improved public realm and access points. Development proposals include a 95,000 square feet new department store, 50 new shops, 10 restaurants, offices and car parking.
“This is a good example of the transformational trend in our town centres for the next five years: consolidation and high impact improvement of existing malls," said Jon Riley, a planning and retail expert at Pinsent Masons.
"Trinity Leeds will be the benchmark when it opens in 2013. Strengthening shopping centres is not quite what Mary Portas has on her shopping list for the high street, though, so I await the Government’s response to her report eagerly,” said Riley.
Subject to planning consent being granted and the signing of pre-lets with tenants, the redevelopment is scheduled for completion in 2016.
