The Mall Gracechurch is considering building a first-floor food court above the central Bishop's Court square. The key area outside House Of Fraser and WH Smith, which plays host to various promotions and Santa's Grotto, would also be given a proper, permanent roof to replace the tent-like structure that covers most of it now. The centre has been encouraged by the response to its revamp of the Royal Court square outside Costa Coffee where it created extra shop units in 2006 and added a roof this year. Marketing manager Fiona Faizey said: "Management are talking about developing Bishop's Court by House Of Fraser, looking at the possibility of it having a food court. "There would be a link from the car park right across the square and an escalator from Bishop's Court. It would take the first floor of each unit and it would have a proper roof." The idea is still in its early stages. Discussions with designers will take place next week. Fiona revealed that the rest of the centre would remain uncovered, and that further plans include the development of a seating area and garden outside Julian Graves. Research had shown that people liked that part of the centre to be open-air, she said. Clothing outlet Republic is due to open in the former Music Zone unit possibly as soon as the end of October, with lingerie shop La Senza to follow in November. Hawkins Bazaar has already taken the former Clarks unit in Bishop's Court on a temporary basis, and Calendar Club will open on a similar short lease over Christmas. The Mall is also trying to find tenants for the former Qube shoe shop unit, which includes a huge first-floor area above the new Royal Court shops. And it is looking for new owners of bronze sculptures of children at play that have been in the centre since the mid-90s. One of the sculptures has already been removed and is being stored, with two remaining, one outside Argos and the other outside Knight's Court. "We are looking to donate them, possibly to Rectory Park or Sutton Park," said Fiona. "We have written to the park management but haven't heard back yet. We don't want to get rid of the sculptures altogether." She invited anyone interested in having them to contact her on 0121 355 1112. | 
