Mall expansion set for approval

Plans for the extension of The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, including new retail and leisure units as well as a hotel and residential apartments, are set to be given the green light by councillors.The joint owners of the centre, M&G Real Estate, Intu Properties and JT Baylis, first announced the plans in July 2014.An outline planning application was registered with South Gloucestershire Council in December 2014.Including in the proposals is about 380,000 sq ft of additional retail space, including a new anchor store and smaller units.About 100,000 sq ft is set aside for financial and professional services, restaurants and cafes, drinking establishments and hot food takeaways with 82,000 sq ft for leisure use.A new hotel is also included in the plans, alongside a multi-storey car park, new bus station, events plaza, and up to 150 residential apartments.The owners have estimated that about 3,000 construction jobs and 3,750 permanent roles would be created through the new development as well as an additional £212.7m of visitor spending per year.The Mall at Cribbs Causeway, located to the north of Bristol, originally opened its doors in 1988 and currently comprises 145 units over two floors occupied by shops, services and restaurants. It is anchored at either end by John Lewis and Marks & Spencer department stores.Existing floorspace is estimated at about 727,000 sq ft with 6,670 parking spaces and a bus station.The new scheme is designed to address a shortage of modern units, improve leisure and food and drink facilities, and replace the existing bus station.Councillors are recommended to grant the application by a report to be considered by the council’s development management (West) committee on Thursday (25 February).This is conditional on the signing of a Section 106 agreement that would secure contributions including more than £1m in transport funding and 35 per cent affordable housing provision.