by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The public are being consulted over plans to extend Bluewater that could create up to 2,300 jobs.

The shopping and leisure complex between Gravesend and Dartford recently unveiled its blueprint for West Village involving expansion of retail and catering space by a fifth.

Lend Lease, Bluewater co-owner and manager, has already announced that the project could create 1,500 jobs and now says this could figure could rise to as many as 2,300.

Members of the public are invited to see the proposals at an exhibition in Stone Pavilion on Friday September 21 (4pm - 8pm) and Saturday 22 (10am - 4pm).

They will also have a chance to discuss the plans with members of the Bluewater team. Questionnaires will be available to assess public reaction.

The public exhibition is a key stage in the consultation process that was begun in August. In November, Lend Lease is planning to submit an outline planning application.

Robert Goodman, Bluewater’s general manager, said: “Bluewater has always worked in partnership with the community to ensure that it makes a positive, significant and long-term contribution to the local area.

"The proposal to extend the West Village is very exciting, and we look forward to sharing our concept proposals with local residents and businesses, and hearing their views on the next stage of Bluewater’s evolution.”

The new jobs would be made available to local residents via The Learning Shop, Bluewater’s on-site training and recruitment facility.

Since opening 13 years ago, The Learning Shop has arranged employment for more than 30,000 people, mostly from the local community.