A multi-million pound expansion of the regional shopping centre at Cribbs Causeway near Bristol could get the go-ahead today despite major objections, including from Swindon Council’s economic development arm. 
Forward Swindon told South Gloucestershire Council that it had not investigated the likely potential of the massive scheme on the regeneration of central Swindon.
As a result, it said it “objects strongly to the proposed scheme” and called on South Gloucestershire councillors to refuse planning permission.
The £300m expansion would increase The Mall at Cribbs Causeway by two thirds – adding an area almost the size of Swindon’s own retail centre.
The plans include new shops, bars, restaurants and housing, an hotel, a new bus station, multi-storey car park and an events space.
South Gloucestershire councillors deferred a decision when the plans went before them in February amid strong opposition from nearby councils and operators of rival smaller shopping centres, who fear it could lead to store closures and job losses.
But developers behind the scheme say it will bring huge economic benefits across the region, including 3,000 jobs during the construction phase and 3,750 permanent jobs once open.
Reports from consultants commissioned by South Gloucestershire show the expansion would have an impact on nearby centres, including Swindon where major regeneration of the town’s retail heart is long overdue. But they concluded that the benefits outweighed these.
A decision is expecting by lunchtime today.
