A multi-million pound leisure development at Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock has edged closer to construction, after council officers granted outline planning consent.

The 225,000sq ft (20,903sq m) proposal, previously quoted by intu as costing £100m, would create a series of outdoor spaces, including a town square focal point. This would be surrounded by a wide range of leisure facilities – including bars, restaurants, a hotel, bowling alley, health club, night club and comedy venue – spread over two levels, with developer and Lakeside owner intu currently in discussion with potential tenants. Architects 3D Reid are responsible for the design.

The public spaces created by the development have been proposed as a host site for farmers’ and Christmas markets, street theatre, music shows and live screenings of big sporting events throughout the year.

Julie Pears, director of development for intu, said: "After such overwhelming public support for our plans, we’re delighted to have received planning consent to invest in the centre’s leisure facilities which will attract more people, from a wider area, and give them a reason to stay at the centre for longer.”

The leisure development proposal would complement intu’s existing plans for a £180m expansion of the centre's retail offer, expected to bring in 30-40 new stores.

The path is now clear for intu to apply for full planning permission. Building on the leisure development could start as early as 2015, with a view to opening in 2017.