Two retail giants are vying for a coveted position in Wandsworth's multi-million pound new-look shopping centre, the Borough News can reveal.

In a move which will transform Wandsworth's town centre, Waitrose and Marks and Spencer are locked in negotiations to secure a tenancy for a prime unit in the building.

This comes amid reports of new proposals for a hotel to be built near one of the shopping centre's entrances.

Owners of the Wandsworth Shopping Centre, Portfolio Holdings Ltd, are remaining tight-lipped about the possible outcome.

They say only that progress on Wandsworth is moving forward rapidly' and retailers are now showing great enthusiasm about our proposals'.

But a Waitrose spokesman confirmed it was in discussion with the centre's owners over securing 35,000 square feet of space, adding: "Waitrose has been looking at this catchment area for some time. This may be an opportunity to satisfy our wish for a new shop in this area."

A spokesman for Marks and Spencer would only confirm the business was always looking for new sites'.

Wandsworth's cabinet member for regeneration and transport Councillor Kathy Tracey, who has seen a new planning application for the shopping centre to allow for a food outlet and hotel, said: "This is tremendous news. When you get an important anchor business, the other businesses will follow.

"My own personal view is that the new plans are vastly improved."

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"The previous owners were given planning permission for a hotel, but they never took it forward.

"When the centre was sold the new owners decided on a hotel at one end by the King George's Park entrance."

The former Arndale Centre will be transformed to the tune of around £100 million.

Virgin Active healthclub is due to complete work on its spa and 25m pool by June next year, Primark will be ready in March and Cine-UK, a 14 screen multiplex cinema, will also be built.

A centre spokesman said: "Both Waitrose and Marks and Spencer have expressed a deep interest in the scheme. This is being followed up by our letting agents and owners."

November 6, 2001 16:00