DEVELOPERS behind the extension to The Bridges shopping centre, in Sunderland, hope it will attract more investment to the city.

Thousands of shoppers flocked to the official opening of the extension yesterday, which has created 700 jobs on Wearside. Big name stores including Debenhams, HMV, Top Shop TK Maxx and Next have units in The Bridges with US clothing giant Gap due to arrive soon.

Also opening yesterday was a 220-space extension to the roof car park, including a Shopmobility scheme for the disabled.

Tim Seddon, assistant director, of Land Securities, said the 250,000sq ft development would encourage further regeneration of the city centre. Land Securities also has plans to redevelop the Market Square.

The Bridges extension is part of a £70m redevelopment package, which includes further shopping and leisure schemes.

Other work under way includes the Lottery-funded Winter Gardens and the £100m Metro extension to Wearside. There are also plans to redevelop the former Vaux Brewery site.

Charges at St Mary's Car Park have been cut to coincide with the opening of the extension.

The hourly charge has dropped from 80p to 70p and the all-day charge from £8 to £7.

St Mary's will also be open between 10am and 6pm on Sundays, when parking will be free.