THE £180million transformation of Lakeside shopping centre is one step closer after bosses submitted their plans.

If approved, the ambitious expansion of the indoor shopping centre would involve the extension of Debenhams and add 40 other new shops in addition to several flagship stores.

The project is expected to create 1,000 jobs during the three-year construction, including an overhaul of transport links and 2,600 permanent jobs within the shopping centre itself.

A futher 700 jobs could follow later.

If the scheme is approved by the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corp-oration, building work will begin in 2013 with the development expected to be open in 2016.

General manager Paul Lancaster said: “We have invested continually in Lakeside.

“By listening to our shoppers and the local community, we have exciting plans for its next phase of evolution.

“Our plans would bring new international brands to Lakeside, as well as thousands of jobs for local people and public space and amenities for the wider community.”

A two-day public consultation on the plans in October saw more than 1,000 residents and shoppers rate the plans.

About 88 per cent of people who took part said they supported the proposals.

The proposed bus station at Chafford Hundred train station was also given the thumbs-up by 82 per cent of people.

A new landscaped external street linking the development and public square have been incorporated into the plans, along with a new link road to the north of the centre.

Mr Lancaster added: “Millions of people love Lakeside, which is why retailers are crying out to bring their brands to the centre.

“We have had great support from our shoppers and with the support of the planning authority, hope to start our investment work as soon as possible.”