The owners of Surrey Quays Shopping Centre in south east London have submitted an application to extend the centre by 100,000 sq ft.

Surrey Quays Limited, a joint venture between Tesco and real estate investment trust British Land, has put forward a proposed £31m investment.

Supported by 90% of the public surveyed in the area between September and November, the scheme would enable 18 new shops and restaurants to open in the centre, and would create 500 jobs.

If approved, development of the 50-store scheme in London’s Canada Water will commence in the winter, with completion expected in spring 2014.

Keen to illustrate commitment to the project and area as a whole, Surrey Quays Limited has also pledged £3m towards existing public areas in the centre, as well as to improving public transport in the area. 

Richard Wise, head of retail development for British Land, said: “These plans demonstrate our continued commitment to Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, the wider Canada Water regeneration and Rotherhithe.

“As well as creating new jobs and local investment and improving travel connections and public areas, the extension and refurbishment will enable us to attract and accommodate new and exciting retailers which are currently not represented in the area.”

Surrey Quays is anchored by Tesco Extra and houses retailers including Bhs, River Island, New Look, JD, Boots, Burtons, Dorothy Perkins and Mothercare.