We have had a sneak peek inside the new Whiteley Shopping Centre ahead of the grand opening – and it is looking good.
Putting the finishing touches at the Whiteley Shopping Centre
The Gazette had a preview of the new stores before thousands of people are expected to flock to the launch on Thursday (May 23) – an event that will go off with a “bang”.
The spectacular will begin with an aerial acrobatic show by an international artistic group performing over the heads of the crowds just before the official opening at 11am.
Not to mention TV star Denise van Outen opening the new Mamas & Papas store. She will cut the ribbon and welcome shoppers to the see the latest store of the nursery retailer. She will read from her best-selling book Bumpalicious and answer questions from the crowds.
Neil Carter, centre manager, took The Gazette for a tour of the scores of retailers and of the big launch, he said: “There will be a countdown and at 11am there’s going to be a big bang.
“We’re estimating about 7,500 will be here at 11am. There will be a really fantastic show just before the grand launch. It’s an aerial acrobatics exhibition some 30 metres above the ground in the town square set to some beautiful music.
“I’m really looking forward to Thursday because it’s the end of stage one. Then the hard work really starts. The team has been incredible. It’s actually made it enjoyable.”
The Next store at the centre
Retailers and construction workers were busy putting the final touches to the stores and staff were going through their final training programmes ready for the launch. Some employees were enjoying the scenery and chatting on lunch breaks while getting to know the other workers.
Despite due to give birth in four weeks, Emma Rowsell, was adding the finishing touches to the Little Soles store with co-owner Andrea Marshall. The pair, who opened their first shop in Warsash just over a year ago, said they appreciated the support of their neighbouring independent businesses in Market Square.
Emma, 39, pointing to her pregnant stomach carrying her fourth child, added: “This store is my baby just as much as this is my baby.
“It’s bringing the success from Warsash here. We’re learning as we go. We’re happy with the team.”
A few doors along, Solent Cycles manager Mike Paget is opening his fourth store and said he is working on initiatives with the centre and retailers to encourage cycling to work – such as to provide discounts on bike equipment to Whiteley employers through the Government’s national scheme via the pay as you earn system.
Harvester manager James Gates has had the restaurant equipped and been training staff for more than two weeks.
“We’ve got the team in place and we’re looking forward to opening,” he sad. “At the weekend we were training them serving the retailers and construction workers for practice. We had good feedback from that.”
With more than 50 shops and restaurants on site offering promotions and giveaways, the shoppers will have a lot to look out for. Marks & Spencer will have a DJ, stylist and chef demonstrations, personal shoppers and the chance for customers to win a share of £1,000 in M&S gift cards.
Manager Lisa Holliman said: “I’m hugely proud to be involved in the opening. It’s not something that comes along everyday.”
Click one of the images below to launch our picture gallery:
