Owners of the Stratford Centre have launched a public consultation on plans to transform the area, giving it a major overhaul without losing its East End links.

The initial proposals include a new public square, improved pedestrian routes and two new residential buildings.

Development of the centre, which is asset managed by Catalyst Capital on behalf of owners CEPF Chariot, would create space for more shops and value shopping while preserving the traditional street market. It would also create new public open spaces and improve pedestrian routes and transport connections and create jobs and long term investment in Stratford.

The plans would transform Stratford Island, dramatically improving the look and feel of the town centre, particularly for visitors arriving from Stratford station.

Andrew Norton, Stratford Centre Manager, said: “These proposals would help Stratford to keep pace with the development happening in the wider area, while at the same time retaining its essential East End character. The existing shops and traditional street market would stay, while new homes and public spaces would help to make the town centre an even more welcoming environment.

“We have listened to the views of key local partners to come up with a scheme that enables the holistic development of Stratford Island and now we are really keen to hear the views the public on these new proposals.”

Local residents, business owners and other interested parties are invited to come along to one of the exhibitions to find out more. The public exhibition events will take place on September 4 at Unit 15, The Stratford Centre (opposite Sports Direct), Broadway, Stratford from 4pm until 8pm and on September 6 from 11am until 4pm.

Comments will be considered ahead of a planning application being submitted to Newham Council later in the year.

You can also find out more at stratfordshopping.co.uk/stratfordisland, emailing: StratfordIsland@londoncommunications.co.uk or by calling phoning: 0800 0142434.

The shopping centre has 60 retail units and a traditional East End market with 30 traders.