A 26-storey tower block could be built in the centre of Enfield Town under plans for a major shopping centre redevelopment.

DWS, which owns the Palace Exchange and Palace Gardens shopping centres, has revealed plans to create what it calls a “a modern food, leisure and living experience in the heart of Enfield”.

Plans for the site, which lies between Cecil Road and Church Street, include several housing blocks ranging from three to 26 storeys.

It comes shortly after councillors approved plans for a 29-storey tower block at the site of the Colosseum Retail Park in Southbury.

READ MORE: 29-storey tower block at retail park gets green light

DWS’ plans also feature new cafes, restaurants, co-working spaces, shops, a gym, a boutique cinema and space for pop-up stores and food trucks.

Although the developer acknowledges the current shopping centres are “well-used by local residents”, it claims the rise in online trading, the condition of the current buildings and the limited opening hours mean they could face an “unsuccessful future”.

Enfield Independent: A sketch of the proposed development (Image: EPR Architects)A sketch of the proposed development (Image: EPR Architects)

Under the proposals, the shops and restaurants will open into the early evening, after 6pm.

A survey of shoppers carried out in July revealed 89 per cent of the 638 respondents thought the shopping centres could be improved, with 70 per cent wanting a better range of shops, 54 per cent more restaurants open in the early evening and half wanting a boutique cinema.

DWS has launched a public consultation on its initial proposals, which will run until October 30 and is available here.

There will also be two webinars allowing people to ask questions of the project team. The first will take place at 6pm on Thursday, October 15 and the second will be held at 6pm on Monday, October 26. Details of how to register are available on the consultation website.

A further consultation is expected to take place in December before a planning application is submitted to Enfield Council early next year.

Enfield Independent: A sketch of the proposed development (Image: EPR Architects)A sketch of the proposed development (Image: EPR Architects)

A spokesman for the Palace Square project team said: “We are excited to begin working with Enfield’s community and starting to shape our initial proposals for Palace Square: a new food, leisure and living experience in the heart of Enfield.

“Town centres and high streets across the country are facing incredible challenges, and Enfield is no exception. Now is the time to reimagine the existing shopping centres and create a new experience for visitors to Enfield town, providing a range of shops, pedestrianised streets, boutique cinema, restaurants and leisure experiences that are open until the evening.

“We also believe that town centre living is an important element for the future success of Palace Square and are therefore proposing to provide new homes for Enfield residents in the heart of the borough.

“We hope that Enfield’s residents will tell us what they think about our initial proposals as we look to create a vibrant food, leisure and living experience in the town centre.”