Thousands of new jobs will be created if a £200m expansion of Braehead Shopping Centre goes ahead.

That was the message today from owners Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), who lodged a Proposal of Application Notice with Renfrewshire Council ahead of seeking planning permission later this year for the high-profile revamp.

It is anticipated the development will create 2000 jobs during construction and a further 3000 after the development opens.

The proposals include the creation of a new integrated transport interchange for buses and to facilitate the new Fastlink service, which is hoped will extend from the South Side of Glasgow to Braehead and Renfrew.

-- Advertisement --

Proposals include building a new department store, an arena for ice and dry sports events, a new hotel, cafes, restaurants and a new public square.

Peter Beagley, the general manager of Braehead, said: "Our investment will create much-needed jobs for local people and deliver a wider choice of retail and leisure for our customers, as well as significant improvements to public transport and public space.

"These proposals will see a huge amount of private investment coming into Renfrewshire and the west of Scotland. With this multi-million-pound investment comes the welcome bonus of employment.

"We are very keen to make sure as many local people as possible benefit from these jobs and, with approval for the project, we will set up a shop on site for people to apply for the jobs that will become available."

The leader of Renfrewshire Council, Mark Macmillan, welcomed the announcement and potential investment.

(NE/GK)