A huge new food court planned for Dudley’s Merry Hill Centre will cost around £24 million and cater for 1,400 customers, it was revealed today.

Further details of the project have also been unveiled by owners Westfield, which wants to improve the quality of catering offered to shoppers.

A food court featuring 18 kiosks serving all kinds of cuisine will be built in a service area behind Debenhams.

It will be a similar design to the Jules Verne restaurant which closed in the 1990s and was located in the area now occupied by TK Maxx.

The restaurant had a huge balloon as its centrepiece and offered a “round the world” eating experience, with shoppers able to choose from English, Italian, Indian, American and more.

The ambitious new plans include extending the upper mall area to create a separate entrance for the new food court, flanked by two restaurants on either side.

In total 1,400 seats will be provided for customers who either want to grab a cup of coffee or sit down for lunch.

Westfield spokesman Laura Passam today confirmed an application was currently being considered by Dudley Council and a favourable decision was expected.

She said: “Westfield has submitted plans for a new £24 million food court to include 18 kiosks and two restaurants with a total of 1,400 seats as we believe there is potential to improve the food catering offered at Merry Hill. This is in line with our plans to introduce enhanced new services and facilities for our customers. The application is currently being considered and we are hopeful of a positive outcome.”

Shoppers now have a choice between fast food chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King, plus a sprinkling of specialist cafes.

Dudley Council spokesman Phil Parker said the application was going through the planing process.