Hammerson and Hermes, joint owner and developer of the 60,000sq m (646,000sq ft) mixed-use Shires scheme in Leicester have revealed plans for the project’s restaurant quarter.

Due to open in autumn 2008, the new 6,000sq m (64,600sq ft) restaurant area will be centred on two public squares, each with a distinctive eating environment.

As part of the £350m Shires development – which has catchment population of two million people in Leicester alone – representatives from some of the restaurant industry’s “leading branded concepts” have already been approached for the mostly al fresco quarter.

Hammerson’s director of UK retail leasing, Sheila King, said: “We are already in discussions with established groups such as Café Rouge, the Gourmet Burger Kitchen, the Restaurant Group and Wagamama, as well as more recent formats such as Giraffe, Strada and Tootsies.

“We are looking to create a local flavour unique to the new Shires and are keen to establish an even representation of local independent operators too.”

The Shires development will be located next to Leicester’s inner ring road on Vaughan Way.

Intended to become one of the UK’s top 10 leisure destinations, other elements to the scheme include a multiplex cinema and accommodation, alongside open streets and squares. Details: www.hammerson.com