Potteries Shopping Centre expansion plan approved

The shopping centre opened in 1988 and was built on the former home of local football team Port Vale

A £14m expansion of the Potteries Shopping Centre in Stoke-on-Trent has been approved.

Its owner, Capital Shopping Centres, plans to extend the existing complex in the city centre by adding new restaurants and a cinema.

Paul Francis, the centre's general manager, said it could create 185 jobs when completed.

The proposals went before Stoke-on-Trent City Council's planning committee on Tuesday.

Mr Francis said it is hoped the restaurants and cinema would be "up and running by early 2014".

"We really see this as a great addition to the centre, we believe there's a demand for it," he added.