The wait is over. Today Hampshire’s Whiteley Shopping Centre finally opens its doors following an on-off planning saga lasting six years. The event will be marked by five days of celebrations, beginning with an outside broadcast by Wave FM, prior to the grand opening at 11am.
The fun includes spectacular street entertainment, fashion shows and a host of other activities that guarantee to make it a week to remember for all the family.
Then there are the shops themselves. Whiteley is over 90 per cent let and boasts over 50 stores anchored by high street favourite M&S which has taken a 60,000 sq ft unit. Other big names include Next, Top Shop, H&M and River Island, all set in a natural contemporary environment.
Alongside these instantly recognisable brands, the 320,000 sq ft development, from British Land and USS, is also home to a host of independent retailers, ensuring there will always be something a little different to catch the eye.
Emma Roswell, of independent children’s shoe shop Little Soles, says the opportunity to take space at the centre was too good to turn down.
“It will be fantastic for us to sit alongside established brands helping to provide a broad offer for Whiteley’s customers,” she added.
Whiteley’s leisure offer is equally diverse with shoppers able to take their pick from a wide range of outlets. These include Costa, Starbucks, Harvester and independent bistro Montagu’s.
Whiteley Shopping Centre is open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm on Saturday and between 11am and 5pm on Sunday. However after the shops close the restaurants continue serving until 11pm Monday to Saturday and until 10.30pm on Sunday.
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