Foster & Partners has been appointed as architect for the scheme, and developer Stanhope outbid British Land to become Selfridges' development partner. A planning application is expected this summer which will include a roof-top extension to the existing Grade II listed building and the rebuilding of the Selfridges Hotel to the rear of the store for extra retail space, restaurants, hotel and offices. Foster and Partners have been employed to design the scheme.

Ken Livingstone said: 'Selfridges' innovative plans will add an outstanding piece of architecture to London's premiere shopping area and will help to maintain Oxford Street's competitiveness with locations like Paris and New York. The existing store is magnificent and attracts visitors from all over the world.

'A well-designed expansion will create a visually stunning, contemporary building and will reinforce Oxford Street's standing as a national and international shopping destination. I hope that Westminster City Council will recognise the need to improve the overall West End experience and also give their support to this scheme.'