Lakeside is set to undergo development at the end of this month as part of a £98 million expansion.

On Tuesday August 29, work will begin on a new leisure development complex which will be anchored by popular children's TV network, Nickelodeon.

The multi-million pound project will see the construction of a Hollywood Bowl as well as a variety of restaurants.

The new complex, which is being built by McLaren Construction, will stretch 175,000 sq feet from the back of Lakeside past Vue cinema up to the lake.

The development complex will be based around a vast outdoor area with entertainment space and play areas that link to the lake, with several outlets being outside, giving it an al-fresco European feel.

The expansion will mean that two outdoor car parks will need to be built over as well as the road that runs between them.

These will be car parks nine and eleven around the back of the shopping mall.

Echo:

A consultation was carried out by intu Lakeside and representatives at the shopping mall said that the feedback was "positive."

The project is expected to take 15 months, with an aim to finish before Christmas next year.

Regional Managing Director at intu, Rebecca Ryman, said: “We’re investing millions at intu Lakeside to ensure that it can deliver one of the biggest and best shopping and leisure experiences in the country and it’s exciting to see our plans take shape with the appointment of McLaren Construction to build the first phase of the centre’s extension.

“It is going to provide a fantastic new space for leisure brands to flourish at intu Lakeside and create even more compelling reasons for families to enjoy a day out experience with us.”

Managing Director at McLaren Construction’s, David Murphy, said: “McLaren are pleased to be working collaboratively with intu on this exciting landmark project. 

"The new brands will add an extra dimension to the shopping experience, creating a destination for families, shoppers and diners with attractions and events for day and evening visitors.”

Echo:

Lakeside is the second largest shopping mall in the intu group in the UK, second only to the Trafford Centre.

As part of the planning application process for intu Lakeside’s exciting new leisure development, the company has carried out careful testing and modelling to understand the impact it may have on the local environment.

Working closely with Thurrock Council, they have identified a number of measures including improvements to public transport and signage that will be incorporated into the project to ensure that any additional traffic can be accommodated by the surrounding road network.

The complex currently has a Travelodge which people can stay in and the bar which is open the latest is Las Iguanas which is open until 1am on Friday and Saturday and 11pm the rest of the week.

Intu Lakeside have also said they will keep parking free for customers.