Shopping centre plans move ahead

The Shires project will be finished in 2007

New steps are being taken to buy businesses which need to be cleared to extend a major shopping centre.

Leicester City Council has issued compulsory purchase orders to the companies in the area of The Shires.

The multi-million pound extension scheme will stretch from High Street across Vaughan Way.

Around 60% of the area is already owned by the developers and the city council and negotiations are continuing with the other property owners.

The purchase orders have been issued to ensure work can proceed on schedule.

It is hoped the revamp, which will double the size of the Shires shopping centre, will be complete by Autumn 2007.

It will include a network of indoor shops, outdoor plazas, cafes, a leisure centre and 180 flats.