One of Scotland's most popular shopping centres is set for an expansion.

Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), owner of Braehead shopping centre, has submitted a planning application to Renfrewshire Council for permission in principle to build a new mixed use development at the centre.

This follows CSC’s submission of a proposal of application notice (POAN) which was issued to Renfrewshire Council and Renfrew Community Council in August 2012.

The £200 million investment would create over 2,000 construction jobs - including apprenticeships - and 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in leisure and retail when the development is completed. CSC will work closely with Renfrewshire Council and the local Employability Partnership to maximise the new employment opportunities to benefit local people and households.

The planning application includes new retail and leisure facilities including a new department store and additional shops at the western end of the mall. Between Xscape and the shopping centre, plans include a new arena for ice and other sports, concerts, entertainment shows, conferences and exhibitions, a public square, improved access to the river edge and external landscaped walkways, cafés and restaurants and a 200 bed hotel.

-- Advertisement --

The plans also include a significant boost to public transport with the creation of a new integrated transport interchange for buses and to facilitate the new Fastlink service, which is hoped will extend from Glasgow Southern General Hospital to Braehead and Renfrew.

CSC held a two-day consultation at the end of August 2012 gathering feedback from over 800 shoppers, local community leaders, retailers and other key stakeholders, the results of which were overwhelmingly positive.

• 93% of respondents are in favour of the overall proposals for Braehead

• 94% are in favour of the development of a new department store

• 95% would like to see a wider range of shops and restaurants

• 89% agreed with the proposals for a new indoor arena

• 91% are supportive of the proposals to accommodate Fastlink and provide transport interchanges

• 91% are also in support of the proposed new public square and improved footpaths/cycleways.

Peter Beagley, Regional Centre Director for CSC said: "This will be one of the biggest private investment projects in Scotland for a long time. With planning consent, we will be creating thousands of jobs at a time of economic downturn and it will be a boost not only to Renfrewshire, but also to the wider West of Scotland economy.

"We would hope that the new jobs being created at Braehead will particularly help young people find employment and get their feet on the career ladder.

"Braehead Shopping Centre has been a key part of the local community and the wider Renfrewshire area for the past 13 years and it was heartening to see the overwhelming public support for our proposals during our consultation.

"We look forward to determination by Renfrewshire Council."

(GK)