Bluewater took three years to build and cost a total of �300m

The Australian company that owns the site, Lend Lease, is considering selling the complex near Dartford.

Lend Lease has suffered losses on property investments in the United States and its chief executive now wants to rein in overseas operations to try to restore profitability.

Bluewater was built in 1999 and is one of only a handful of massive retail sites in Britain.

When it opened it claimed to be the largest shopping and retail centre in Europe.

Built in a disused quarry it contains three malls, which offer more than 320 stores and nearly 40 bars and restaurants.

It stretches across more than 240 acres with 13,000 car parking spaces and took �300m and three years to build.