Multi-million pound scheme will also include a Morrisons supermarket

A multi-million pound project to transform a derelict shopping centre on Edgware Road into a retail and residential development has been approved by Brent Council.

Around 800 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the £150m regeneration plans, which are being spearheaded by property development firm Development Securities.

The plans include building a new Morrisons supermarket, a primary school for more than 400 local children, 183 homes and a new oriental retail and restaurant centre at the seven acre site at 399 Edgware Road.

It will replace the former Oriental City, which closed in 2008.

The site, which had been dubbed London’s ‘real China Town’ before its closure, had previously been earmarked for a larger development but the proposals were stalled by the recession.

But Development Securities’ smaller scale plans are underpinned by a pre-let agreement with supermarket giant Morrisons, which guarantees the delivery of the landmark project.

Matthew Weiner, executive director at Development Securities PLC, said Brent Council’s unanimous decision to approve the plans is a vital step to stimulate the local economy.

He said: “We are delighted that Brent Council has backed our plans to transform this long-derelict site into a vibrant new mixed-use scheme.

“Our plans will deliver significant benefits for the local area and bring new investment into the borough, creating over 800 new jobs and enhancing local shopping choice.”

Morrisons’ Development Executive Richard Haynes said the plans would act as a catalyst for their company’s growth across the South of England.

“We are delighted the application was approved unanimously at last night’s committee”, he said. “We look forward to further expansion across London and the South.”

Brent Council will now refer its decision to the Mayor of London for final approval and redevelopment work could start by September 2013.

The Morrisons foodstore and the new oriental centre are expected to open by early 2015 while the first residential flats will be completed by 2016.