The £100m development will provide extra retail space, a cinema and leisure complex around a new covered public square.

Construction is expected to start during 2015, sustaining 500 jobs, with the new destination scheduled to open in 2017. The new scheme will also involve extensive refurbishment of the existing intu shopping centre.

Jonathan Ainsley, asset management director, said “The £100m investment across both Watford shopping centres is aimed at transforming Watford and creating the best place in the region for people to shop high quality brands and spend their leisure time”.

The application follows a public consultation online and at intu Watford, during which 91% of respondents felt that Charter Place both needed to change and supported intu’s proposals for more shops and leisure facilities.