Meadowhall planning £20m food extension

Darren Pearce, centre director, said the 56,000 sq ft extension to the Oasis food court would double the space of catering at the site and create 250 jobs, including 150 full-time positions.

He is in "positive" talks with planners at Sheffield council and is "99 per cent" confident the scheme will go ahead. He already has interest from caterers such as noodle chain Wagamama and American-themed TGI Fridays, which he said are "hot to trot".

Mr Pearce added: "This will help us tap into wider catchment by offering a critical mass of catering along with a very strong retail offer. It's a hugely positive story in these difficult times.

"We are there in terms of funding. We are there in terms of totting up tenants."

The food court area is home to several restaurants and a Vue cinema. Mr Pearce believes with extra catering facilities the shopping centre can attract more evening visitors from its wider catchment area.

Mr Pearce also revealed the centre owners, British Land and London and Stamford, are keen to progress plans for a 300m commercial and residential development next to Meadowhall.