Jobs on way as three new stores planned for New Square Shopping Centre

Centre boss Steve Burr said 'significant negotiations' were underway to fill three of the four empty retail units left at New Square Shopping Centre – creating jobs in the process.

The companies in discussion with shopping centre bosses have not been disclosed but staff say it will bring new names to the town.

It comes after it was announced last week that footfall has increased by 3.5 million since opening in July 2013.

Plans to boost the centre's night time economy were also discussed as Mr Burr explained that their main aim was for 'continual future growth'.

Speaking to the Express & Star, he said: "There is potentially a lot more to come soon from New Square.

"We are currently in significant negotiations with three operators to add to our retail mix and fill three out of four empty units.

"I can say that they will be new names for West Bromwich too.

"New Square has over achieved our expectations the past three years and put Sandwell as a main retail destination.

"Just last week we had a 14 per cent increase on like for like visitors as we welcomed 165,000 through the complex.

"Our aim is to now continually grow and provide the best quality for every type of shopper."

Visitor numbers to the shopping centre shot up by 25 per cent between January and September last year.

Last summer was the centre's busiest too – seeing a total of 650,000 shoppers flock to the complex each month in June, July and August – 12.5 per cent up on 2014.

Mr Burr continued: "At the time we opened this it was on the back of the biggest economic downfall and if we had known that was going to happen when we had been planning it 15 years previous then would we have gone ahead? Probably not.

"But the centre has done amazingly.

"We are offering the right mix and quality of fashion, food and entertainment along with all year-long events and raising money for Sandwell Hospital children's wards."

The complex's key retailers include Next, Outfit, Primark, Poundland and Peacocks.

The arrival of shops such as Specsavers, Thomson, Funky Monkeys and The Interceptor pub have also added to the complex over the past year.

The 473,000 square foot leisure destination recently won an award for its security team too.

They were awarded the prestigious British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Regional Security Personnel Award for 'Best Team' in the Midlands round of judging.