A PLANNING application for a £15m shopping centre expansion has been approved.

The proposal, for the extension of The Bridges, in Sunderland, submitted on behalf of owner Land Securities, will include a three-storey Primark store and a new entrance in High Street West.

The work, to start this year, is likely to create about 150 construction jobs.

Andy Bradley, centre director for the Bridges, said: “We have been working hand-inhand with Sunderland City Council to ensure we brought the best plan to the table and it is fantastic that the green light has been given to our £15m expansion.”

Jonathan Buckle, portfolio manager for the Bridges, said: “We want to ensure people living in Sunderland do not feel they need to look outside the city to meet their retail needs.

“Therefore we need to continually improve the retail mix, as well as the look and feel of the shopping environment, to make the centre a more attractive destination for our customers.”

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This extension to the Bridges by Land Securities is a vote of confidence for what has become, over the years, one of the busiest retail centres in our region.”

The developer held a two-day public consultation last year, with 84 per cent of respondents supporting the Bridges extension.