6:24PM, Mon Jul 9, 2012

Eldon Square Plans: New Northumberland Street Entrance

By Ruth Holliday Location: Eldon Square, Newcastle

New look? Artists impression of the plans

The Northumberland Street entrance to Eldon Square could be transformed into a towering glass structure if plans are approved.

Capital Shopping Centres has submitted an application to redevelop the 1960s entrance and the two shops either side, adding an extended roof canopy.

It follows an announcement in December 2011 that joint owners CSC and Newcastle City Council plan to invest £22m in a modernisation programme, upgrading ceilings, entrances and interiors in the existing malls.

Martin Breeden, Asset Management Director at CSC said: "The scheme will add to the vibrancy and vitality of the city centre and build on Newcastle’s success as one of the UK’s best retail cities."

On its way out? The entrance as it looks now

Eldon Square is one of the largest city centre shopping centres in the UK, occupying 1.35m sq ft with 151 stores, and catering for 36 million shoppers every year.

A decision on the planning application is expected by mid-August.