IT’S an Essex institution and even had its own TV series, but after 22 successful years, Lakeside Shopping Centre is changing its name and logo.

The centre will become intu Lakeside in May this year as part of owner Capital Shopping Centre’s £25million rebranding of 12 of its 15 centres.

Most of the shoppers the Gazette spoke to at Lakeside gave the new name the thumbs down.

Sheila Reeve, 65, from Gidea Park, said: “I can’t see the point in just adding another word before Lakeside, I think Lakeside is all you need really.

“Intu Lakeside is not something that strikes a chord with me.”

Francis Matthews, 56, from North Stifford, said: “It’s a bit of a funny name.

“I think people are going to carry on saying Lakeside, but as it has Lakeside in the name I don’t think anyone will be confused. I can’t see how it will attract more people into the centre.”

Alfred Hamilton, 58, from Tower Hamlets, said: “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it, that’s my motto.”

However, pensioner Antony Cross, 77, of Frederick Road, Rainham, said: “I think it’s quite a good name, they need to do something to get more people in here. I hope it works out for them.”

Capital Shopping Centre will spend £7million on brand creation across its centres, £8million on digital infrastructure and £10million creating www.intu.co.uk, which will sell products from centre tenants online. It will also put free WiFi into centres.