The proposals for the shopping centre, expected to cost more than £70m, include more shops, a new dining quarter, green spaces for families to relax at lunchtime and a five-screen boutique cinema.

The transformation of the prime 430,000 sq ft shopping centre by a further 100,000 sq ft will be one of the most significant retail and leisure development projects that Central Milton Keynes has seen in over a decade.

When completed, a new dining quarter, over two levels, will deliver a choice of places to eat in a relaxed and comfortable environment. A five-screen boutique cinema will provide a special experience with luxurious seating and a quality food offer.

Designed by 3DReid architects, work on the complex will focus on remodelling the centrally connected, Midsummer Boulevard area.

Martin Breeden, regional director of intu, said: “Oak Court and the boulevard are busy thoroughfares but not great pieces of public space. These proposals will create outstanding areas overlooked by prime, flagship retail stores and the best catering quarter in Milton Keynes,” said  

The proposed work at intu Milton Keynes is part of a £1.3bn development pipeline in the UK over the next 10 years by intu.

Last month, intu also submitted an application for planning permission to redevelop Nottingham’s intu Broadmarsh. Gleeds is the project manager for the £150m Broadmarsh scheme.