The landmark Station Hill scheme will include 200,000 sq ft of retail with cafes and restaurants, as well as a health and fitness facility, new public spaces and a central public piazza. If the planning committee’s decision is ratified, work could begin in 2011 with the first phase completed by 2014.

Sackville’s chairman, Sir John Madejski, said: “We have been working on our proposals for more than four years and our aim has always been to create a bold, flagship scheme which would meet the council’s vision for the area.”