Brent Cross shopping centre is set to double in size providing space for over 200 extra retail brands, 40 new restaurants, a cinema complex and hotel accommodation.

The modernisation, costing £1.4 billion, will increase the size of the 40-year-old north London shopping centre — recently described as resembling “a nuclear power station from the Soviet era” — to 1.9 million square feet.

It sets up a “battle of the malls” between British retail property giant Hammerson, the co-owner of Brent Cross, and Australia’s Westfield, which runs prime sites in Shepherd’s Bush and Stratford.

The Brent Cross upgrade, which is part of a £4.5 billion scheme taking in the Brent Cross and Cricklewood areas, is due to be completed in 2022.

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Plans for a new town square and space to accommodate local businesses have been laid out while Hammerson and Standard have projected the build will generate up to 3,500 retail and 5,000 construction job opportunities.

Chief investment officer Peter Cole said: “Brent Cross has been an iconic part of retail in London and the local community for 40 years.

“The challenge we have set the design team is to create a destination for the best global brands and experiences and at the same time still retain Brent Cross’ distinctive character and personal touch which can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Hammerson and Standard’s detailed planning application already has outline planning permission from Barnet Council and the company will open its plans to public consultation early next month.

The plans have not been unanimously received with praise, as Edgware resident Mark Amies was quick to speak against them.

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He said: "But do we need it?

"I don't approve of Brent Cross getting bigger. It's a never ending process of mad consumerism.

"Our government is too happy to endorse greedy developers."

Public consultation will be open at Brent Cross shopping centre’s central court from Thursday, November 3 and Sundaym November 6 and at Hendon leisure centre on Mondaym November 7 and Tuesdaym November 8.

Leader of Barnet Council Cllr Richard Cornelius said: “Brent Cross London forms a vital part of our regeneration scheme which will see this part of London become a thriving new neighbourhood.

“I am confident that the new shopping centre, along with the new station and the development to the south of the A406, will breathe new life into this area as well as creating thousands of new jobs.”

While doubling the size of the existing shopping centre, John Lewis and Fenwick will be retained and a new Marks & Spencer anchor store will be delivered – all three were part of the original Brent Cross when it opened in 1976.