AN AMBITIOUS plan to transform a shopping centre has taken a major step forward.

The owner of Chineham District Centre is looking to overhaul the area and build new shops, restaurants and cafes, a ‘boutique cinema’, a hotel, a healthcare facility/business centre and a gym.

Now, a planning application has been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The plan would also be to add public toilets, create public spaces and undertake extensive landscaping works.

The proposal would also mean there would be 147 additional parking spaces at the site, taking the overall total to 955 spaces. It is planned to keep parking free for all centre users.

There will also be new pedestrian and cycle routes throughout the centre, linking into Binfields Woodland and other existing networks

James Burchell, Partner at Tellon Capital, which took over the centre earlier this year, said: “After many months of engagement with the community, council and tenants, it is a real milestone to have submitted this planning application.

“We welcome continued engagement with all interested parties throughout the determination process.”

Two rounds of public consultation, including events at the centre, have preceded the submission of the application, with Tellon Capital adding that this has resulted in the addition of an improved cycling connection to Wade Road, the provision of public toilets and the idea of a healthcare facility on the site.

A decision is expected by March next year with Basingstoke and Deane borough councillors likely to have the final say on the plans.

To view the application and to comment, go to https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications and search for the reference code 18/03417/FUL.