Center Trust Inc. will build 97,285 sf of restaurant and retail space where 53,482 sf has been demolished at the 43-acre shopping center. The city's planning commission OK'd the project Monday. City officials say the renovation and expansion of the center, Oceanside's oldest, will generate $26 million in new retail sales.

El Camino North Shopping Center at the southwest corner of El Camino Real and Vista Way was built in 1979. It was last expanded in 1981. Center Trust has already begun demolishing buildings at the center's east end in anticipation of the renovation.

The REIT plans to replace the former Mann Theaters multiplex cinema, bank and carousel buildings with two separate anchor retail buildings. A third building will include five retail outlets and two restaurants. The company did not release the names of prospective tenants.