Planners have approved a £35m extension to a shopping centre in Newry giving hope of 200 construction jobs.

This follows an announcement that a multi-million pound development plan for the Quays Shopping Centre in Newry has been given the green light.

It is understood that 150,000sq ft of retail and restaurant space, with an additional 600 space multi-storey car park will be created by the £35m extension.

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This is all subject to final approval but it is predicted that work at the site will commence in 2012 with completion in 2013.

The centre is owned by Parker Green International, the property firm controlled by Newry developer Gerard O'Hare.

A spokeswoman for Parker Green said the extension is "demand led" meaning retailers are actively looking for space at the centre.

According to Parker Green 13 of the units have already been reserved although company names have not yet been released.

The development at The Quays is also expected to create 300 retail jobs on completion.

(LB/BMcC)