Construction of The Elements – the new £130 million shopping destination set to transform the heart of Livingston – has now reached the half way mark. The first part of the site (the new multi storey car park) will open for business in November 2007.

Land Securities also announced that approximately 50 per cent of floor space in the exciting new development, set to open in October 2008, has now been let.

This figure is expected to rise further in coming months as negotiations continue with several leading retailers and restaurants. Debenhams and Marks & Spencer have already signed up to take space at The Elements, bringing department stores to the town for the first time. These anchor stores will each occupy 90,000 sq ft.

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David Smith, Leasing Director, Land Securities, said: "We are very excited to have reached the half way mark and it is great to see this landmark new shopping centre taking shape.

"In addition to the anchor stores, the new centre will comprise two major retail units, 30 shop units, five restaurants and 24,000 sq ft of leisure space, and there is a lot of interest from potential new tenants.

"We hope to announce some of the new names over the next few months."

The new shopping centre will adjoin Almondvale Shopping Centre to increase the total retail space in the town to 1.6million sq ft.

Whilst it opens its doors for trade at the start of October 2008, a new state-of-the-art, 1,500-space multi-storey car park will open in November 2007. The car park will feature 24-hour CCTV and technology allowing drivers to identify the number of available spaces.

Stewart Edgar, Project Director with main contractor Miller Construction, said work is progressing extremely well and he is delighted with the results so far.

He said: "The car park is nearing completion, a substantial amount of the steelwork, lift shafts and stairways are now in place in the retail blocks, and wall finishes have started.

"We are also currently installing the framework for the transparent roof which will cover each of the four new shopping avenues, and will form a magnificent dome in the heart of the shopping centre."

(CD/JM)