THE owners of Bexley's main shopping centre have taken over their neighbouring competitors in a £49 million deal.

The Mall Bexleyheath has bought Broadway Square from its previous owner Hermes Property Unit Trust in a bid to attract more shoppers through its doors.

Built six years ago, the square is home to seven businesses: Sainsbury's, TK Maxx, Poundland, Wilkinson, Peacocks, JD Sports and a JD Wetherspoon pub.

It also has a 340-space car park on two levels and adjoins the main 400,000 sq ft shopping centre already owned by The Mall.

Peter Sedge, general manager of The Mall Bexleyheath, said: "We acre delighted to be able to announce this acquisition and see it as a massive step in the development of Bexleyheath as a real destination for both our current and future shoppers.

"Our plan going forward will be to further combine Broadway Square with The Mall to create a new, and much larger Mall Bexleyheath."