£400m plan for shopping centre

The work would be done over 10 years

Plans for a £400 million expansion of a Milton Keynes shopping centre have been unveiled.

The changes include space for 100 new shops and up to 3,000 new jobs could be created.

If the proposals get the go-ahead work would take place in three phases over the next 10 years.

Chief executive of the centre, Tony Longstaff, said the plan would create a real heart for the Buckinghamshire town, which is the fastest-growing in Britain.

Retractable roof

"The Centre:MK and Milton Keynes is the major destination for shopping in the whole of the region and this will make it significantly better than it already is," he said.

Milton Keynes Council leader Isobel Wilson

Plans include a retractable roof over Queen's Court - so the weather does not spoil anyone's shopping - and space for 100 new retailers, bringing the number of stores to 300.

Outside the complex, a bridge will be removed and two new multi-storey car parks built.

The plans are now with the council.

'So expensive'

As the expansion is expected to mean thousands of new jobs, the amount of affordable housing included in the proposal will be under close scrutiny.

"We do have a real problem trying to attract workers into Milton Keynes," said the council's Liberal Democrat leader Isobel Wilson .

"The prices of houses, particularly for young people starting out on the housing ladder, are so expensive. "

Shoppers and local residents will now be asked for their opinion on the plans and if they are approved by the council next February, building work will start the following year.