LAKESIDE Shopping Centre has unveiled new proposals for the development of a major new leisure space.

In October, Capital Shopping Centres, which owns Lakeside, announced its vision for a £180million expansion of the centre, which includes an integrated transport hub.

But an exhibition at Lakeside on Friday, aimed at updating shoppers on the original plans, revealed CSC’s proposals for a second phase of investment aimed at developing a family-friendly leisure destination, focused around a public square, with bars, cafes and entertainment venues.

CSC also announced it plans to build a footbridge across Alexandra Lake, linking the retail park with the shopping centre, and providing a subsidised shuttle bus. Sophie Scott, marketing manager at Lakeside, told the Gazette: “This is also our first opportunity to put the plans of a new leisure destination in front of our shoppers and to get their feedback.

“We see the leisure destination being based around the existing Broadwalk development and Vue Cinema, a public square, cafes, bars, more dining opportunities, a bowling alley and health and fitness facilities.”

Paul Lancaster, Lakeside general manager, said: “We recently submitted a planning application for our plans to expand the retail offer for our shoppers, creating over 2,600 permanent new jobs and delivering over £14.5million in community infrastructure benefits in the process.

“Our shoppers and the community loved these plans and we are excited to hear what they have to say about these latest proposals.”

It is hoped construction on the original plans will start in 2013, with a phased opening in 2016.

Plans for the leisure destination are currently just a concept while feedback from shoppers and peo the community is sought.

But Ms Scott added: “By the end of the year we should have more detailed plans in place, but we hope the leisure destination can be created along a similar timeline to phase one.”