A MULTI-MILLION pound extension to The Bridges shopping centre in Sunderland officially opens to the public today.

The new development has brought 700 jobs to Wearside, along with big-name stores such as Debenhams, which opened its doors yesterday.

Other major retailers moving into the extension include HMV, Top Shop, Next, Principles and Allsports.

The development is part of a £70m package for Sunderland city centre, which includes a £30m shopping and leisure scheme at nearby Park Lane.

Developers Land Securities have worked alongside the city council to build the development, which was first announced in February 1997.

Millions of pounds in Government funding has gone into construction work connected with the scheme.

Other works include the creation of the new Park Lane Interchange, an £850,000 programme of improvements in Derwent Street, Olive Street and Park Lane, and a £1m facelift for Crowtree Leisure Centre.

Councillor Colin Anderson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: "The city centre is Sunderland's single most important asset, and we have worked very hard to ensure that the extension to The Bridges could go ahead.

"The council has been involved with the extension of The Bridges from the outset, and the opening of the new development is a good example of how the public and private sectors can work together successfully for the benefit of the city."

Work is currently under way on a £100m extension of the Metro train service to Sunderland.