As plans to give a shopping centre an “exterior facelift” are submitted, owners confirm its historic spires are here to stay.

The Spires Barnet Limited, owners of The Spires Shopping Centre in High Barnet, have handed the planning application to Barnet Borough Council as part of the first phase of its regeneration project.

In February, the owners withdrew initial plans to get rid of the historic twin spires that form part of the entrance to the building, which used to be a Methodist church.

A spokesman for The Spires Barnet Limited said: “We have listened carefully to public feedback in order to inform the design process and as a result are delighted to confirm the application retains the towers of the former Barnet Methodist Church.

“The proposals will improve the High Street face of The Spires by removing to rotunda over the entrance while retaining the historic spires, in line with feedback from the local community.”

The application also shows plans to open a Carluccio’s restaurant in one of the High Street units, and changes to the former gym on the first floor to either shops, offices or a restaurant.

If the proposals go ahead there will also be new, natural stone paving within the centre between the High Street entrance and the first open courtyard and new lighting.