PLANS to redevelop the Market Square area of Charter Walk could lead to further redevelopment at the shopping centre.

Bosses from Addington Capital, who now own the centre, yesterday showed off plans for a new cafe and new units in the Market Square for the first time.

A planning application to turn four units along the WHSmith’s and Superdrug side of Market Square into three bigger units is likely to be submitted early next week.

But the redevelopment could lead to further work around the centre.

Alex Wagstaff, partner at Addington Capital, said: “This could be just the first phase of the redevelopment.

“It has to be realistic and achievable but once this is complete we will look at the rest of Market Square and also other areas of the centre.”

Mr Wagstaff said the Market Square scheme, which would involve the removal of the external first floor walkways and staircases to create double-height units ranging in size from 5,000 sq ft to 10,000 sq ft, is what retailers are now after.

He said: “This work will create bigger units which is what major national retailers are looking for. Clearly retailers such as River Island wouldn’t move here if they didn’t already have the unit, as it is now too small for them.

“This is about being pro-active and making sure that we have the right offer to attract retailers.

“We have had a great response to these plans, from retailers already in the centre to others who are looking at these plans and like what they see.”

Addington Capital are in discussions with the retailers currently occupying the units affected to try and find alternative space for them in the centre while work is carried out.

A brand-new £40million shopping centre, known as the Oval, is also set to be built in Curzon Street, with work still due to start next year.