PLANS have been unveiled for a new mini shopping centre in Easterhouse that could create 200 jobs.

The £10million project would have up to 20 small shops. It is hoped to start construction in six months and finish next spring.

Plans have been submitted to Glasgow City Council.

If approved, the development - on 15 acres of vacant council land - would link the Glasgow Fort shopping centre with The Bridge learning, leisure and entertainment venue. It would include offices as well as a childcare facility with a secure outdoor play area.

The proposal comes from Hercules Unit Trust, which owns the Fort.

It is expected retailers will recruit around 150 staff, while the construction phase will involve another 50 workers.

Hercules Unit Trust spokesman Phil Goodman said the mall - bordered by Conisborough Road and Auchinlea Road - would provide around 70,000 sq ft of floor space, as well as car parking.

Mr Goodman said: "We are committed to driving forward the regeneration of Easterhouse and these latest plans propose a complementary retail development tailored to the needs of residents.

"The design has been guided by the wishes and aspirations of the community to improve local amenities.

"We are excited by these plans and look forward to seeing them come to life."

Glasgow Fort opened four years ago at a cost of £200m and has created 1400 jobs, with 900 going to local people.

The Bridge opened in 2006 at a cost of £12m. It has a swimming pool and library, as well as links with John Wheatley College. More than 500,000 people have gone through its doors in the past year.

The neighbourhood centre would link the two. The Fort would be a three-minute walk and a stroll to The Bridge would take under a minute.

Councillor George Ryan, executive member for development and regeneration at Glasgow City Council, would not comment on the planning application, but said the regeneration plan was continuing.

He added: "We would be interested in any proposals that integrate the plan into their application."

Councillors have yet to decide on the future of the nearby Shandwick shopping centre. Built in the 1960s, demolition is one option among several under consideration.