The project will consist of 345,000 sf of office space; 79,000 sf of retail; 43,000 sf of catering space; 120,000 sf of sports facilities and 51,000 sf of conference/meeting room space. Subject to planning permission, the new scheme - to be called Belvedere Court - could be completed by 2004.

The area around the Shell Centre - headquarters of the oil company since 1963 - has been transformed since the Eurotunnel terminal opened at Waterloo station to the south of the site and the London Eye attraction opened just to the north. Reflecting this, Shell had originally planned more retail to captalise on increased pedestrian flows. But the revised scheme, drawn up in consultation with Lambeth, has cut the retail content in favour of more offices.

The public areas will include a new pedestrian street linking York Road to Belvedere Road and a central courtyard where outdoor entertainment can be staged and which will be the focal point of Belvedere Court. Shell Chairman Philip Watts said: 'The plans aim to give the area round Shell Centre a greater sense of energy, making Shell Centre a more welcoming and accessible space, with more shops, offices and community facilities.'