Part of Lakeside to be demolished for £200m redevelopment

Part of Lakeside shopping centre in Essex will be demolished to make space for a £200m warehouse and distribution centre, BBC News has reported.

Several stores including Boots, M&S, Asda Home and Burger King will be affected by the plan and will be relocated elsewhere on the site in Thurrock.

According to the BBC, the existing retail park will be ready for redevelopment in 2025 and will create 700 jobs. 

Jayme McArthur, planning director for British Land, said: “When considering the land use it’s important to note the evidenced oversupplied retail in the area which is causing vacancies and a need to consolidate existing retail into the core of the Lakeside basin, in turn creating wider vitality and vibrancy of the centre.

“We would not be proposing this investment in logistics if we believed the site would continue to thrive in its current form. We are looking to invest £200m and with that comes benefit for Thurrock.” 

Lakeside shopping centre has been contacted for comment.