Surrey Quays expansion given permission

Surrey Quays Limited, a joint venture between British

Land and Tesco, has been granted planning permission by Southwark Council for an 110,000 sq ft extension to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre at Canada Water.

The planning approval paves the way for a £30m investment in Surrey Quays, where the extension will sit in front of the existing entrances to the shopping centre and provide 18 new shops and restaurants plus four new kiosk units. In addition, situated on the Rotherhithe Peninsula in South East London, an extensive refurbishment of the 309,000 sq ft existing shopping centre is also proposed.

The expansion will create 500 permanent positions on opening as well as a significant number of temporary jobs during the construction period. It is anticipated that work will start on site in spring 2013 with completion scheduled for summer 2014.

Approximately £4 million will be invested in developing the external environment and public spaces around the centre as well as improved connections to Surrey Quays station and Canada Water tube and bus stations.

David Pollock, Retail Development Manager for British Land, said: “The approval for the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre extension is important for the wider regeneration of Canada Water and Rotherhithe and demonstrates our commitment to the area.

“The extension and refurbishment will create additional space that will allow us to attract and accommodate new and exciting retailers, ensuring that Surrey Quays remains competitive in today’s market. The current shopping experience will be significantly improved for both existing and new customers.”

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre is anchored by Tesco Extra and also comprises of 45 major high street retailers including Bhs, River Island, New Look, JD, Boots, Burton, Dorothy Perkins and WHSmith.